A treatyse of the newe India with other new founde landes and islandes, aswell eastwarde as westwarde, as they are knowen and found in these oure dayes, after the description of Sebastian Munster in his boke of universall cosmographie: wherin the diligent reader may see the good successe and rewarde of noble and honeste enterpryses, by the which not only worldly ryches are obtayned, but also God is glorified, [and] the Christian faythe enlarged. Translated out of Latin into Englishe. By Rycharde Eden.

¶ A treatyse of the newe India , with other new founde landes and Ilandes , aswell eastwarde as westwarde , as they are knowen and found in these oure dayes , after the descripcion of Sebastian Munster in his boke of vniuersall Cosmographie : wherin the diligent reader may see the good successe and rewarde of noble and honeste enterpryses , by the which not only worldly ryches are obtayned , but also God is glorified , & the Christian fayth enlarged .

Translated out of Latin into Englishe . By Ryrcharde Eden .

☞ Praeter spem sub spae .

¶ To the right hyghe and mighty Prince , the Duke of Northumberlande , hys grace .

I Reade in auncient writers ( most noble prince ) how that mightie kyng and conquerour of the world , Alexander the great , at such tyme as he beheld the tombe of fearse Achilles , & therewith called to his remembraunce howe excellently the Poet Homere had set forth his heroical factes , which notwithstanding he thoughte to be muche inferiour vnto his , he sighed & sayde : Oh the most fortunate , which haste founde such a trompe to magnifi thi doinges , meaning hereby , that the fame of Achilles was no lesse notable to hys posteritie by homers writing , then it was in hys lyfe tyme by hys owne marcial affayres . Wherby we maye perceue such magnanimitie to haue ben in our predicessours , men of noble & stout courage , that they thought it not sufficiente in their life time to deserue prayse & honour , except the same might also redounde to theyr posteritie , that they mighte therby bee encouraged to do the like . Whyche thing truely hath ben the cause , that in al ages , noble enterprises haue ben commended , & such as haue attempted the same , haue bene honoured . Wherfore if honest commendacions be a iust reward dew to noble enterprises , so much do they robbe & spoyle from the dignitie therof , which in any poynt diminishe the same : no lesse confoundinge the order of thinges , then he whiche cloteth an ape in purple , & a king in sackecloth . This I speake the rather , beecause there chaunsed of late to come to my handes , a shiete of printed paper , ( more worthy so to bee called then a boke ) entytuled of the newe founde landes . The whyche t●tle when I readde , as one not vtterlye ignoraunt hereof , hauynge before in my tyme readde Decades , and also the nauigations de nouo orbe , there seemed too me no lesse inequalitye betwene the tytle and the booke , then if a man woulde professe to wryte of Englande , and entreated onelye of Trumpington a vyllage wythin a myle of Cambrydge . Wherefore partelye moued the good affeccion , whyche I haue euer borne to the science of Cosmographie , whyche entreately of the descripcion of the worlde , whereof the newe founde landes are no smal part , & much more by the good wyll , whych of duetie I beare to my natyue countrey & countreymen , which haue of late to their great praise ( whatsoeuer succede ) attempted with newe viages to serche the seas and newe found landes , I thought it worthy my trauayle , to their better comfort , ( as one not otherwise able to further theyr enterprise ) to translate this boke oute of latin into Englishe . The which , albeit it do not so largely or particulerlye entreate of euery part , region or commoditie of the sayd new found landes , as the worthines of the thing might requyre : yet sure I am that aswel they which set forth or take vpon them this viage , as also they which shal hereafter attempt the lyke , may in this smal boke as in a little glasse , see some cleare light , not only how to learne by the example dammage , good successe , and aduentures of other , how to behaue them selues & direct theyr viage to their most commoditie , but also if dew successe herein shoulde not chaunce according vnto theyr hope & expectacion ( as oftentimes chanceth in great affaires , ) yet not for one foyle or fal , so to be dismayd as with shame and dishonor to leaue wyth losse , but rather to the death to persist in a godly , honeste , & lawful purpose , knowing that wheras one death is dewe to nature , the same is more honourably spent in such attemptes as may be to the glorye of God & commoditie of our countrey , then in soft beddes at home , among the teares & weping of women . Which manlye courage ( like vnto that which hath ben seen and proued in your grace , aswell in forene realmes , as also in this oure countrey ) yf it had not been wanting in other in these our dayes , at suche time as our souereigne Lord of noble memorie Kinge Henry the .viij. about the same yere of his raygne , furnished & sent forth certen shippes vnder the gouernaunce of Sebastian Cabot yet liuing , & one syr Thomas Perte , whose faynt heart was the cause that that viage toke none effect , yf ( I say ) such manly courage wherof we haue spoken , had not at that tyme bene wanting , it myghte happelye haue comen to passe , that that riche treasurye called Perularia , ( which is now in Spayne in the citie of Ciuile , and so named , for that in it is kepte the infinite ryches brought thither from the newe found land of Peru , ) myght longe since haue bene in the towre of London , to the kinges great honoure and welth of this his realme . What riches the Emperoure hath gotten oute of all the newe founde landes , it may wel appeare , wheras onlye in the Ilandes of Hispana or Hispaniola and Cuba & other Ilandes there aboute , were gathered in two monethes twelue thousand poundes weyght of gold as youre grace maye reade in this boke , in the descripcion of the Ilandes . Yet speake I here nothynge of perles , precious stones , and spices . Neyther yet of the greate aboundaunce of golde , whiche is engendred almost in al regions neare vnto the AEquinoctial line . And wheras I am aduertised that youre grace haue bene a greate fortherer of thys viage , ( as you haue bene euer studious for the commoditie of your countrey , ) I thought my trauayl herein coulde no wayes be more worthely bestowed , then to dedicate the same vnto your grace : Most humbly desiringe youre honoure so to accepte mine intente herein , as one whose good will hath not wanted to gratifie your grace with a better thing if mine abilitie were greater . Thus Almighty God preserue your grace in health and honour long to continue .

¶ Your graces poore oratour Rychard Eden .

¶ Rychard Eden to the reader .

WHereas in this Booke ( welbeloued Read●r ) thou mayest ●eade ma●ye straunge thinges , a●d in maner incredible , except the same were proued most certayn by dayly experience , & approued auctoritie , ( as shall hereafter appeare ) I thought it good for thy bett●r instruction to make this Preface , wherby t●●u mightest more playnly & sensibly comprehend ●he reasons & causes , yf not of al , yet of some of the chiefest thinges , which are conteyned in the same● Therfore wheras thou shalt r●ade of the great abundaunce of gold , precious stones & spices , which the Spaniardes & Portugales haue brought from the South partes of the worlde , as from the newe founde landes & Ilandes , the sodeyn straungenes or greatnes of the thing shal not so much amase thy wittes , and gender in thee incrudelitie , yf thou consider the saying of wyse Salomon , who affyrmeth that there is no new thing vnder the Sunne , nothing new vnder the Sunne . & that the thing that hath been , cometh to passe again : which saying doeth greatly confyrme the trueth , of such thinges as are spoken of in this Boke , wheras the same perhappes to some men might otherwyse seme in maner incredible , yf the lyke had not been sene in ●yme paste , & approued by auctoritie of moste holy scripture , which declaring the great wysdom , ryches , & noble viages of King Salomon , 3. Reg. 4 sayth that God gaue him wisdom and understanding exceding muche , and a large heart , and that he prepared a nauie of shippes , 3. Reg. 9 in the porte of Azion Gaber , by the brinke of the redde sea , which sayled to Ophir , & brought from thence .xxi. score hundreth ( whiche is . xl● . M. ) weyght of golde . Agay●e , 3. Re. 10. that the weyghte of golde which was broughte to Salomon in one yere , was .vi. hundreth , thre score & .vi. talentes of gold , wheras the Hebrue talente , called Talente Haebraicum sanctuarii , was of our st●rling money 500. pounde , & Talent Haebrai●um uulgare , was halfe so much . Lykewyse that si●uer was nothing worth in the dayes of Salomon , and that he made siluer & gold in Hierusalem as plentiou● as stones Agay● , 2. Par. ● that he ouerlayd the house of the Lord with precious stones beauti●ully , 1. Par. 3. and the gold wherwith he couered it , was golde of Paruaim . Also that the kinges nauie of shippes went once in thre yere to Tharsis , Tharsis Golde Apes Elephantes . and brought Gold , Siluer , Apes● Peacockes , and Elephantes teeth , Which wordes surely seme so to confirme such thinges as are spoken of in the nauigacions wherof this boke entreateth , that nothinge can make more for the truth of the same : Salomons shippes . and briefely to speake of the places whether Salomons shippes sayled for Gold , as Tharsis and Ophir . Ophir . This ought to be consydered for a general rule , that nearest vnto the south partes of the world betwene the two Tropikes vnder the Equinoctial or burning lyne , where the sunne is of greatest forse , Where Gold is engendered . is the chiefest place where gold is engendred , although it be sometymes founde in colde regions as in Scotland , in Crayford more , likewyse in H●ngary , Scotland Hungary yet nether pure of it self , nor in great quantity : the reason whereof is largely declared in the ●ookes of George Agric , & Albertus Magnus . And wheras it is written in the ●oke of Kinges in the Actes of Salomon that he prepared his shippes in Azion Gaber , 3. Reg. 9 Azion Gaber . beyng by the brinke of the readde s●a , and sayled from thence to Ophir for Golde , it is apparaunt , that ( howsoeuer the names of thinges haue altered and perisshed in tyme ) he sayled from thence southwarde towarde the Equinoctial lyne , the Equinoctial line . for asmuche as there is none other passage oute of the narownesse of the readde sea , but onely into the mayne South sea , by the which the Portugales euen at this daye make theyr viage to Calicut , Calicut . Samo●ra , Madagascar , and such other Ilandes in the South east partes of the worlde , where Golde , Spyces , Apes , and Elephantes are nowe founde in lyke maner . Tharsis in cilicia . But as for Tharsis bey●ge a cytye of Cilicia in Asia the l●sse & the na●iue countreye of S. Paule the Apostle , and situa●e muche more toward the North , than is Iudea , and in maner directlye ouer againste Iudea on the othersyde of the sea called Mare Mediteraneum , & in the same clime , in the which standeth the Ilande of Sicilia , Sicilia . and the cytie of Ciuile in Spayne , Ciuile in Spayne it hardelye agreeth with the principles of Philosophie & common experience , that golde should be there engendred in lyke abundaunce as in Regions more towarde the south , much lesse Elephantes and Apes , which are no where engendred farre from the AEquinoctial lyne , or beyonde the two Tropikes , nor yet wil engendre yf they be broughte into those partes of the world . The lyke is to be vnderstande of Popingiayes and spyces , Spyces . and dyuers other beastes , fruites , and trees , which are engendered in ce●tayne climes of the worlde , and wyll not prospere in other places : the reason wherof were here to longe declare . Pepper . For lyke as pepper wyll not growe in Spayne , no more wyll the Orange tree bringe foorth fruite in Englande . Orange tree . Wherefore , it maye seme by good reason , that the Golde , Apes , and Elephantes teeth which were broughte from Tharsis ( yf it were Tharsis of Cilicia ) were not engendered there , but rather brought thether by marchauntes from the south partes of the world , out of Mauritania , Marmarica , Ethiopia , Libia , & Arabia , or otherwise by lande , from the East India , East India . lyke as at this daye , the greate multitude of Spyces , Golde , Precious stones , Sylke , and Iuerye , whyche is at Calicut and Cambaia , growe not al in the regions there about , but are brought thether from dyuers other countreys , as doeth more largely appeare in this Boke . And that Salomons factours for exchau●ge of other marchaundyse , bought the same in Tharsis , Solomon boughte golde of marchantes . be●●g bro●ght thether from other countreyes , as it is written in the thyrde Boke of the Kinges , that Salomon had great plentie of Gold of Marchauntes & Apothecaries . So that to conclude , I would rather thinke ( sauing reformacion of o●her better learned ) that this Tharsis ( & not Tharsis of Cilicia , ) from whence Salomon had so great plentie of Gold and Iuerie , were rather some other countrey in the south partes of the world , then this Tharsis of Cilicia . For● not onely olde and newe Histories , dayly experience , and the principles of natural Philosophie doe agree , that the places most apte to bring forth gold , spices , & precious stones , the south & south east . are the South and Southeast partes of the world , Mat 12 but also our Sauiour Christ approueth the same , ● . Reg. x 2. Par. 9 the quene of Saba , the quene of the south declaring that the Quene of the South ( meaning the Qu●ne of Saba ) came from the vtmoste partes of the worlde to heare the wysdom of Salomon . And lyke as by the auctoritie of these woordes it is playne fro● what partes of the world she came , the same to a philosophical head is apparent by s●che r●ches & presentes as she broughte with her . For albeit that in the Chronacles of Salomon it is ●ot written by expressed wordes that she came from the Southe , yet is it wrytten that she came to Hierusalem with a very great trayne , 2 , par. 9 3. Reg. x with camels laden with spyces , swete odours , & exceading much gold & precious stones , which descripcion doeth well agree , Saba in Ethiopia vnder Egipt . both with the situacion of the cytie of Saba in Ethiopia vnder Egipt : and also with the cou●trey of Saba , being in the middel of Arabia , Saba in Arabia . inuironned about with great rockes wherin is a great wood of Precious trees , some of Cinomome & Cassia , & some bringing forth frank●ncense and myrre , as writeth Plinius lib. 12. and Theophrastus li. 9. de Hist. Plant. Wherefore the Quene of ●aba myghte worthely be called ●he quene of the South , forasmuch as bothe Saba ( or rather Sabat ) in Ethiopia , whiche Iosephus thinketh to be the Iland of Meroe , now called Elsaba , beinge in the ryuer of Nilus , & that the quene came from thence , & also Saba in Arabia , are situate farre Southwarde from Hierusalem , euen in maner in the middest of the lyne , called Tropicus Can●ri , and the Equin●ctinal lyne , the quene of Saba came from the Iland of Meroae . ●here the Pole Artike is eleuate not passing . 1● . degrees or thereabout ( as in Meroae ) where as the same pole is eleuate at Hierusalem . 22. degrees : whereby it may appeare that the quene of Saba ( whom Christe calleth the quene of the south , ) came from the south partes about .xi. hundreth & .xl. miles from Hierusalem , for the same distaunce is from Saba in Meroe to Hier●salem , as betwene Rome & England . From Rome to England . ●ut as touching this matter , it shall suffyse to haue sayde thus muche . Nowe therefore to returne home from these farre countreys , The viage of our men to cathay and to speake somewhat of this viage which oure countreymenne , haue attempted to sayle into the Easte partes , by the coastes of Norway , Lappia , and Finmarchia , Norway Lappia , Finmarchia . and so by the narrowe tracte of the Sea by the coastes of Grouelande , into the frosen sea , called Maroae , Congelatum , & so forth to Cathay ( yf any suche passage may be found ) whiche onely doubte doeth at this daye discorage many faynte hearted men , speciallye beecause in the moste parte of Globes & Mappes they see the continente or fyrme land , Globes & mappes . extended euen to the North Pole without any such passage . Which thing ought to moue no man greatly , ●orasmuch as the most parte of Globes a●d mappes are made after Ptolomeus Tables : Ptolomeus . Who , albeit he was an excellent man , yet were there many thinges hyd from his knowledge , as not sufficientelye tryed or searched at those daies , as manifestly appeareth in that he knew nothing of . America . America with the hole fyrme lande adherent thereunto , which is nowe found to be the fourth parte of the earth . Neyther yet knew he any thinge of the passage by the Weste into the Easte , by the strayghtes of Magellanus as you shal reade in this Boke , The strayghtes of Magellanus . Neyther of the Ilandes in the Weste Ocean Sea , the Ilandes of Molucca nor of the Ilandes of Molucca situate in the mayne Easte Indian Sea . And as touchinge this passage , albeit , it were not knowen in Ptolomeus dayes yet other auctors of later time , who perhappes haue hadde further experience of the thing ( as good reason is ) doe wryte not onely that there is a passage by the Northe Sea into the mayne Easte Sea , Passage by the north sea into the East . but doe also further declare , howe certayne shippes haue safelye sayled throughe the same , Pius secundus . lib. i. Capit. ii . note wel the passage by the North sea . as Pius secundus ( otherwyse called AE●eas Siluius ) an excellente aucto●e descrybeth in his Boke of Cosmographie , where he hath these wordes folowing . Of the North Ocean Sea , whether it may be sayled aboute or not , the contencion is greater , yet is it apparaunte that the greateste parte thereof aboute Germanie , Augustus th emperour . hath been searched by the commaundemente of Augustus th emperour , euen vnto the promontorie or landes ende of the people , Cimbria . called Cimbri . Caspia . the warres of the Macedonians The seas also and coastes of Caspia were so searched during the warres of the Macedonians vnder the dominion of Seleucus & Anthiocus , that al most all the North on euery syde was sayled about . Plinie rehearseth the testimonie of Cornelius Nepos , Plinius . Cornelius Nepos Su●uia , called also Succia nere vnto ●o●●●and and norway . who wryteth that the king of Sueuia ( or Swethelande ) gaue to Metellus celer , proconsull or leauetenaunte of Fraunce , certayne Iudians or menne of Iude , whiche saylinge out of India for mar●haundyse , were by tempest drieuen into Germanie . We also reade in Otho , that vnder th empyre of the Germaynes , there was a shippe of Indians taken in the North sea of Germanie , A ship of Indians driuen from the East into the North seas . and drieuen thether by contrary wynd from the East partes : which thing coulde by no meanes haue comen to passe , yf ( as many menne thinke ) the North sea were not nauigable by reason of extreme cold & Ise. And these be the very wordes of Pius Secundus , whereunto I adde , that thys , notwithstandinge , yf it should so chaunce , that ether there can no such passage be found , or the same so daungerous , or otherwyse that the very cutte thereof by which onely perhappes any shippes might passe , could not be founde , yea , or to caste the worste , yf they shoulde perishe in this viage , yet I woulde wishe all men to be of such corage and constancie in these affayres , as are valiaunt capitaynes in the warres : who , yf by misfortune they take a foyle , doe rather studie how by some other wayes to recouer theyr honour and reputacion diminished by the same , then with shame , losse , & dishonour , euer afterwarde to geue place to theyr enemyes , or forsweare the warres . Wherefore , to conclude , yf no good can be done this way , it were worthy the aduenture to attempt , yf the same viage may bee broughte to passe , another waye , as by the strayght called Fretum trium fratrum , The viage to Cathay Westwarde & by north westward & by North from England , whiche viage is sufficiently knowen to suche as haue any skyll in Geographie . As for other landes and Ilandes in the west sea , where the Eagle ( yet not in euery place ) hath so spled his winges , that other poore byrdes may not without offence seke theyr praye within the compasse of the same , the earth compassed abou● I wyll speake nothing hereof , bycause I wold be loth to lay an egge , wherof other men might hatche a serpent . Wherfore to let this passe , & to entre into another matter . Forasmuch as in these our daies hath chaunced so great a secret to be found , as the like hath neuer been knowen or heard before , ( what soeuer God meant to kepe this mistery hyd so long ) I thoughte it good to speake somwhat hereof : trusting that the pleasaunt contemplacion of the thing it selfe , shal make the length of this preface lesse tedious , especially yf it find a reader whose soule delyteth to prayse God in his workes . The thing therfore is this , how the hole globe of the world ( of the earth and wate● I meane ) hath been sayled aboute , by the West into the East , as doth more largely appeare in this boke in the nauigacions of Magellanus , The vi●ge of magellanus . who from Spayne sayled Westward to the Ilandes of Molucca being in the East sea , The Ilandes of Molucc● farre beyond the furthest partes of East India : & the portugales came to the same Ilandes from Spayne sayling Eastward by the coastes of Aphrica , Arabia , & the vttermost India beyond the ryuer of Ganges where , in the Indian sea the sayd Ilandes of Molucca are situate . A thing surely most wonderful , and in maner incredible , but that the same is proued most certayne by experience , Experience , that teacher of al sciences the teacher and mestres of all sciences , for lacke of whose ayde ( experience I meane ) lyke as many greate wittes haue fallen into great errours , so by her ayde , many base and common wittes haue attayned to the knowledge & practise of such wonderfull effectes , Sense & vnderstandinge . as could hardely be comprehended by the discourse of reason . Which thing or other lyke , I suppose was the cause why the noble Philosopher Aristoteles sayde : A sentence of Aristotell . Quod nihil est in intellectu ꝙ non fuit prius insensu , that is , that nothinge is in vnderstandinge , but the same was fyrst in sense , that is to saye subiect to the senses . Yet would I not that any rashe witte shoulde hereby take holde , as thoughte eyther Aristotle or I , meant that sence were more excellent th● reason , but rather that reason vsing sense , taketh his principles and fyrst sedes of thinges sensyble , & afterwarde by his owne discourse & searching of causes , encreaseth the same from a seede to a tree , as from an acorne to an oke . Experience ioined with speculacion Nought els to say , but that experience to be most certayn which is ioyned with reason or speculacion , and that reason to be most sure which is confirmed with experience , accordinge as the Phisicians determe● in theyr science , that neyther practyse i● safe without speculacion , nor speculacion with out practyse . Wherfore , whereas men of great knowledge and experience , are to great affaires , theyr attemptes haue for the moste parte good successe , A per●●ler proueth no vniuersall . as doeth moste playnly appeare in all histories : notwithstanding that some ignoraunt men wyl alledge that certayn rashe aduentures haue prospered well : which sayinge proueth no more than yf a man should say , that twise or thrise a man vnarmed slew a man armed ( as dyd sometyme the wyld Irishmen at bullen ) Ergo , what is knowledge and learning . it were better to fight vnarmed than armed . And wheras I haue here spoken of knowledge ioyned with experience , I meane by knowledge that which we commonly call learning , whether it be gotten out of bokes ( which are the writinges of wyse and expert men ) or otherwyse by conference & educacion with such as are lerned : meaning nought els by learning , but that gathering of many mens wittes into one mans head , & the experience of many yeres , and many mens lyues , to the lyfe of one , whom we call a learned wyse , and expert man . The which defynicion and effect of learning , Baltassar Castaglionae . the noble & learned cortier Baltassar Castaglione ( the auctour of the boke called in the Italian tongue il cortegiono , ) diligently consideringe , A false perswasion of y● frēshm● doeth greatlye blame and reproue the frenshmen in that they thinke that the knowledge of letters doeth hinder the affayres of warre , that which perswasion he proueth by many reasons and examples to be most false . But as concerninge the matter whereof this boke entreateth the greate Philosopher Albertus Magnus , Albertus Magnus onelye by learninge , wythoute experyence , affyrmed that habitable or temperate Regions myghte be vnder the Equinoctial or burninge lyne , ●●perat regions vnder the Equinoctial line as appeareth in hys Booke de Natura locorum , contrarye to the opinion of other wryters whyche were before hys tyme , and yet is nowe proued by experience to bee moste true , albeit not in all places vnder the sayde lyne , the cause whereof were here to longe to declare . And lyke as Albertus Magnus by knowledge of Astronomye ( wherein he excelled ) came to the vnderstandinge hereof , euen so that greate Clerke ( but better dyuyne then Phylosopher , ) Sayncte Augustyne and also Lacta●tius , An error of s● Augustine & Lactantius . for lacke of lyke knowledge in that science , fell into a chyldishe erroure , denyinge that there is anye people , called Antipodes , antipodes of whom the greate Astronomer of one tyme , Ap●anus . Apianus wryteth in thys maner . Antipodes are they , whyche walke wyth theyr fete dyrectelye contrarye agaynste oures , and haue the heauen dyrectelye ouer theyr heades as we haue . Yet haue we nothinge common wyth them , but all thinges contrarye : for when the Sunne causeth Sommer wyth vs , then is it Myddewynter wyth them : and when it is day wyth vs , it is nyghte wyth them : And when the daye is longeste wyth vs , then is the longeste nyghte wyth them , and the shorteste daye . Whiche , Lactantius , Lactantius . a manne otherwyse well learned , in his thyrde Booke . Capittulo foure and twentye , childisshelye erringe , with hys lyghte and opinionate argumentes , denyeth that there is anye suche , and mocketh the Astronomers , beecause they affyrme the earth to bee rounde , the roundnes of the earth . whiche neuerthelesse they proue wyth moste certayne and apparente demonstracions of Geometrye , and vn`ayleable experymentes . Whome , S. augustyne . Sayncte Augustyne folowing , in his sixtenth Booke . de Ciuitat , Dei . Capittu . ix . wryteth after thys sorte . Suche as fable that there is Antipodes , that is to saye , menne of the contrarye parte , where the sunne ryseth when it falleth to vs , and to haue theyr feete agaynste oures , we oughte by no reason to beeleue . Those bee the woordes of Sayncte Augustyne . Notwithstandinge ( sayeth Apianus ) putte thou no doubte Gentle Reader , Apianus . that the Apostles of Christe were Antipodes the one to the other , The apostles , Antipodes the one againste thother . and stode fe●te to feete the one agaynste the other , when Iames th elder and brother to Iohn the Euangeliste , the sonne of Zebedens , was in Spayne in Galitia , and Thomas the Apostle in the hygher India , they were mooste certaynelye Antipodes , walking feete to feete one agaynste the other , almost as directly as a diametrical lyne . For the Spanyardes are Antipodes to the Indians , The spanyardes & the Indians are Antipodes . and the Indians in lyke maner to the Spanyardes . Which thinge also the excellente and aunciente Auctour Strabo confyrmeth to bee true , and lykewise Plinius Nat. Hist. lib. 2. Cap. 67 Volateranus also , and all other Cosmographers & Astronomers . Hetherto Apianus : and to declare my opinion in fewe woordes , I thinke it no greate marueyle that Saincte Augustyne shoulde fall into an erroure in the science of Astronomie in whiche he trauayled but as a straunger , forasmuche as he erred in many thinges in diuinitie which was his chief profession : S. augustine of the heresie of manicheus and was longe of the heresye of Manicheus beefore he was conuerted by Saincte Ambrose : S. augustines boke of retractes . and wrytte also at the lengthe a Booke of retractes , in whych he correcteth hys owne errours . And I beleue playnely that , that excellent witte of hys , could not haue remayned longe in that errour yf he had been wel exercysed in Astronomy , or had knowen any suche ●xperyence as is spoken of here beefore , howe the Spanyardes by the Weste and the Portugales by the Easte compassed aboute the earth , whiche coulde neuer haue come to passe yf the earth were not rounde ( Quantum ad maximas sui partes ) as they call it . For , as for hylles and Mountaynes ,

Mou●taynes , let not the roundnes of the earth .

A galle .

though they be neuer so greate , yet in respecte to the byggenes of the earth , they doe no more lette the roundnesse hereof , then doe the lyttle knobbes of the berrye , which we call a galle , lette the roundnesse of the same . Where●ore I am certaynely perswaded , that yf Saynct Augustyne had continued hys studye in Astronomye ( as it hadde been pytye he shoulde ) or were alyue at thys daye , he woulde also haue retracted this erroure . But yf here anye supersticious head shall thinke it a heynous matter in any poynte to contrary Sainct Augustyne , lette hym hearken howe Augustine hym selfe sayeth : that he wyll neyther hys writynges or other mennes , of howe greate name or fame soeuer they be , A Sentence of S. augustines . otherwise to be beleued then the same shall , by reason bee approued to be true : Neque quorumlibet disputaciones● &c. And lyke as the greate Philosopher Aristotel , when he wryte agaynste hys mayster Plato of the question de ●dais , and agaynste Socrates who by the oracle of Apollo was proued to be most wyse , and certayne of hys frendes asked hym why he durste be so boulde , he aunswered that Plato was hys frende , and so was Socrates : but trueth hys frende more then they bothe , euen so I thinke it no iniurye nor contumelye to Saynct Augustyne , yf the same were sayde of hym also geuynge hym otherwyse hys dewe commendacions , Commendacion of s. augustin as he was surelye an excellent● man , of dyuyne wytte , and knowledge , and so trauayled in settynge foorth Christes true Relygion in those turmoylous dayes , in perpetual combatte , agaynste learned heretykes and Prynces of the worlde , that he is worthelye called a Doctour and Pyller of Christes Churche . And as for Lactantius , Lactantius . the intente of whose wrytinges was chiefelye to ●hys ende , to dyminisshe th estimacion of Philosophye , ( as at those dayes it was necessarie to doe amonge the Gentyles ) and to aduaunce Goddes woorde , ( whyche they contemned for the symplicitie of the same , ) albeit , he attempted as farre as hys learninge woulde serue hym , to make all thynges in Philophie vncertayne , yet are hys argumentes so slender , that vnlesse GOD by the secrete working of hys spyryte , hadde called the Gentyles to the true Faythe , I feare me leaste fewe or none of them , ( specyallye of the greate wyttes ) woulde haue been conuerted by ●actantius argumentes . Howe he dalyeth in denyinge the yearth to bee rounde , and that it is possyble that it myghte bee longe and rounde , ( lyke an Egge , ) or otherwyse longe and holowe lyke a bote , ( meanynge I suppose that the Sea myghte bee conteyned in the holownesse of the same , wyth suche other opinyons grounded of no reason , it were to longe to rehearse . Yet , forasmuche as he was a learned manne , and for the better satisfyinge of suche wyttes as ar● desyreous to know some appearaunce of truth by naturall reason and demonstracions , Of the roundenes of the earth . lette vs admytte that the earth were rounde after anye of those fasshions whiche he describeth : yet can it not bee denyed , but that it is conteyned wythin the holowenesse ( yf I maye so call it ) of the ayre , the earth hangeth in the aire hauynge the heauen in euerye place dyrectelye ouer euery parte of the same , as sayeth the Poete and Philosopher Virgill , Caelum undique sursum : Excepte perhappes Lactantius shoulde thinke that it honge by some thynge , or were otherwyse borne vppe wyth pyllers as the Poetes Fable , that the Gyaunte Atlas beareth the worlde on hys shoulders , the fable of Atlas . whereby they meane that a manne of valiente mynde must stoutelye beare the chaunces of the worlde . Of whyche hangeinge or bearynge of the earth , the word of God beareth vppe the world● I reade a better and more true sayinge in the holye Scripture , where it is written , Fert omnia uerbo or●s sui , that is , that God sustayneth and beareth all thinges wyth the woorde of hys mouth .

Iob. 26. Holye Iob also sayeth , that the LORD ●tretcheth oute the Northe ouer the emptye , and hangeth the earth vpon nothynge : Meaninge by nothinge , the ayre , because to oure senses it appeareth in maner as nothynge : Or otherwyse that it is not dependynge of anye other substaunce , but to bee sustayned onelye by the power of GOD who hath appoynted the Elementes theyr places and lymittes , The elementes . and causeth the heuye to stande faste : as wyt●esseth Moyses in hys songe , sayinge : Exo. xv . By the wynde of thy nostrels the waters gathered together , the flouddes stoode styll as an heape , and the deepe wa●er congeled togeather in the heart of the Sea . Wherefore yf the heauen bee rounde ( whiche no manne can reasonably denye that euer sawe the Sunne and sterres moue . ) And yf the earth bee the center of the worlde dependinge as we haue sayde beefore , then m●ste it needes folowe , that they whiche inhabiting the Northweste partes of the earth , haue the Pole Artike eleuate thyrtye degree● , The ele●ation of ●he pole . muste needes bee Antipodes to them whiche inhabitinge the Southeaste partes of the earth , haue the Pole Antartike eleuate in the same degree , and so the lyke to bee vnderstand of all other eleuacions and degrees . And yf here anye wyll obiect , that eyther the earth or firme land is not so large , or so farre extended , the large●es of the eart● or other wyse not inhabited althoughe it were so large , or that the sea i● greater then the lande , to thys I aunswere , that no man knoweth further hereof then is tryed and founde by experience , as we haue sayde beefore . And albeit that the sea were larger then the firme land , yet forasmuche as there are Ilande● founde in all places of the mayne Sea , Il●●des and in maner all inhabited , there is no reason to the contrarye , but that the people of those Ilandes maye be Antipodes to such as dwel on the fyrme lande , on the contrary parte , whether the earth be round and longe , yea or square , ( yf you wyll ) notwythstandynge . But wyth what certayne demonstracion● the Astronomers and Geometricians , Astr●n●mers & Geometricia●● . proue the earth to bee rounde , and the Sphericall or rounde forme to bee mooste perfecte , it were to longe to declare● I wyll therefore make an ende of thys matter wyth the sayinge of Sayncte Paule in hys Oracion , Act. xv● to the menne of Athens . That GOD made of one bloudde , all nacions of menne , to dwell vpon the hole face of the earth .

¶ I hadde entended here ( well beeloued Reader , ) to haue spoken somewhat of suche straunge thynges and Monsters , whereof mencion is made in thys Booke , to th ende that suche as by the narownes of theyr vnderstandinge are no● of capacitie to conceaue the causes and natures of thynges , myghte partely haue been satisfyed wyth some sensyble reasons● But beynge at thys tyme otherwyse hindered , it shal suffise al good and hone●t wittes● that whatsoeuer the Lorde ha●h pleased , Psa. 135 that hath he done in heauen and in earth , and in the Sea , and in all depe places●

¶ Ecclesiasticus . Capit. i.

¶ The eye is not satisfyed with syght , & the eare is not fylled with bearinge .

¶ The Table . ¶ Of the Ilande of Iaua . Of the Ilande of Madagascar . Of the Ilande of zanzibar . Of the two Ilandes in the which men and wome● dwell a sunder . Of the mightie Empyre of Cathay , subiect vnder the dominion of the great Cham or Cane , Emperour of Tartaria . Of certayn Prouinces subiect vnder the dominion of the great Cham. Of the Prouince of Mangi . Of the Region of Tangut . Of the newe Ilandes , howe , when , and by whom they were founde . Of the two Ilandes Iohanna and Hispana . Of the Canibales , which eate mans fleshe . Of the maners of the inhabitantes of Hispana . How Christophorus Columbus , after that he had founde the newe Ilandes , returned to Spayne : and preparing a new nauie , sailed agayn to the Canibales . How Columbus the Admiral , passed many Ilandes and what chaunced to hym & his in that viage . Of the newe India , as it is founde and knowe● in these oure dayes . Of the Adamant stone , otherwise called the Di●mant . Of the Kingdoms & cities of Narsinga & Canonor Howe the Elephantes in India are prepared to the warres . Of the beaste called Rhinoceros . Of Calicut , the moste famous markette towne of India . Of the maners of the Indians in Calicut . Of Pepper and other spyces which growe in the Region of Calicut . Of the byrdes and beastes which are found in the Region of Calicut : and of the wyne of the tr●e . From whence all kyndes of spyces are brought to ●he cytie of Calicut . Of the Iland of zaylon , & of the cinomome tree . Of the cytie of Tarnasseri , and of the maners of the cytezyns . Of the excellent cytie and Kingdom of Pego. Of the Ilande of Sumatra , or Taprobana . Of the Ilande of Bornei . Of the Ilande of Giaua . Howe the Spanyardes abused the submission & ●rendship of the inhabitauntes of the Ilandes . Howe the Portugales soughte newe Ilandes in the East partes , and howe they came to Calicut . Howe Magellanus by a strayght or narow arme of the Sea , sayled by the Weste into the Easte to dy●ers Ilandes , where also he was slayne . Howe the Spanyardes came to the Ilandes of Molucca , & of the people with great hanging eares . The third nauigacion of Christophorus Columbus . How Pinzonus companion to the Admiral , sought newe Ilandes . The foure nauigacions of Americus Uesputius to the newe Ilandes . The fyrste viage of Uesputius . The second viage of Uesputius . The thyrde viage of Uesputius . The fourth viage of Uesputius . Howe the Kyng of Portugale subdued certay●●●laces in India , and of the ryche cytie of Malacha . Of the Ilande of Medera , and the fortunate I●●●●es , otherwyse called the Ilandes of Canaria . ¶ Finis .

¶ Of the newe India , as it is knowen & found in these our dayes . In the yeare of oure Lorde . M.D.LIII. After the descripcion of Sebastian Munster in his Booke of the vniuersall Cosmographie . Libr. v. De terris Asiae Maioris . And translated into Englishe by Richard Eden .

THere are two viages or nauigacions made oute of Europa into India . The one southeast from spayne , The ●●ther i● southweste . by the coastes of Aphrica and Ethiopia , euen vnto Arabia to the citie called Aden . And from thence to the Ilande of Ormus , and from Ormus to the citie of Cambaia , The citie of Cambai● and from thence euen vnto the citie of Calicut . Calic●● . Cambaia is situate nere vnto the floudde Indus . This citie is of great powre , riche , and abundau●t in al kyndes of grayne & corne . The soyle hereof bringeth forth sondry kyndes of swete oyntmentes , and cotten which groweth on certain trees called Gossampini , Gossipium , B●mbage o● cotton of the tre●s . this cotton , is otherwyse called Bombage or sylke of the trees . The Kynge of Portugall subdued this cytie , and bylded hard by thesame a strong fortresse : with which thing the Turke b●eing sore greued , The ●urkes nauie agaynste the king of Portugale . commaunded a greate nauie of shippes with greate sumptuousnes to bee furnisshed in the goulfe called Sinus Arabicus : to the ende that he might dryue the Portugalles out of India , and the better to accomplishe this his purpose , he appointed one Soliman a noble man of warre ( beyng also the Captayne of Alcayre , ) to be the admiral general , or gouernour of his nauie , hauing in his retenue .xx. thousand souldiers beesyde mariners & gonners , whiche were in numbre foure thousand . This nauie was appointed in the hauen Suezio , beeinge a port of the redde sea , in the yeare of Christ .1538 . And arryued fyrste at the citie Aden : The cytie of Aden . where laying anker . the gouernour of the nauie sent letters to the king of Aden , certifying him that he woulde take his viage into India , from thence to expell the King of Portugall . The Kinge of Aden whiche was then tributarye to the King of Portugall , receyued the Turkes letters thankefully , The kinge of Aden is hanged . offering him selfe & all that he might make , to so mightie an Emperoure , desyringe the gouernoure to come forth of the ship , and to beholde the cytie obedient and readye at his commaundemente , in the which also accordinge vnto his dignitie & office , he should be worthely interteyned : but the gouernour agayne allured and entysed hym to come out of his citie , and so by crafte circumuented him , that he toke him priesoner , and commaunded him to be hanged on the sayle yarde of the shyp , & with hym foure other of the rulers of the citie of Aden , affyrming that he was commaunded of the Turke so to handel them , because the cytiezins of Aden had not only made a leage with the Portugales , The destruction of the citie of Aden . but had also payde them tribute : whiche nacion the Turke playnely entended to drieue out of India . And thus after the Kynges death , that most riche and beautiful cytie , was ●uer a praye to theues , spoylers , and murtherers without resystaunce . Then the gouernoure departing from thence , lefte there behynde him a garrison of two thousand men of warre , and saylyng forwarde on hys viage , he came to the citie called Dium , The turke besiegeth th●●yti● of Dium . whiche the Portugales held : & his armie was greatly encreased by the waye , as wel by land as by sea , by reason of the great confluence of the Turkes which on euery side resorted to him , so that in a short space they rowled before them a bulwarke or countremure of earth , in man●r as bigge as a mountayne , which by little and litle they moued neare vnto the trenche or ditche of the castell , so that they might safely stand behynde the bulwarke , ( thus raysing a mount . ) they besieged the castell on euery syde , & battered the walles & towres thereof very sore : yet that notwithstanding , were at the length enforsed to departe , The turke is repulsed . not withoute great losse and slaughter of theyr souldiers : for this Dium , is the s●rongest citie that is vnder the dominion of Cambaia : but the cytie of Cambaia , The excellencie of the citie of Cambaia ● is situate in the goulfe called Guzerat , and is well inhabited , and in maner most excellent of all the cities of India , and is therefore called Cayrus , or Alcay● , or Babilon of India . It is enuironed with a walle , & hath in it very fayre byldinges , the Soldan or chefe ruler hereof , is of Mahumets secte as are the Turkes . Lacha is gumme of a tree , & is vsed in dying o● silke . Lacha groweth there more plentifully than in any other countre . The inhabitauntes , for the most parte goe naked , couering only theyr priuie partes : they bynd theyr heades about with a clothe of purple color . The Soldan or prince of this citie , hath in a redines for the warres .xx. thousand horsemen , he hath also a mightye and magni●ical court . When he waketh in the morning there is heard a great noyse of cimbals , drūslades , timbrelles , shames , pipes , flutes , trumpettes , and diuerse other musical in●●rumentes , hereby signifying that the king lyueth & is in health and merye : in lyke maner doe they whyle he is at dyner . To the kyngdom of Cambaia , The ●yngdom of Ioga . is the Kingdom of Ioga nexte adioyni●g , which reacheth farre on euerye syde . In this kingdom , by reason of the greate heate of the sonne , the bodyes of men begin to waxe blacke and to be scorched : the people of thys countreye haue ringes hanging at their eares and colers aboute theyr neckes of sundry sortes , albeset and shyninge with precious stones . The soyle hereof is not very ●ruitful , this region is rough with mountaynes , the byldinge are despicable , and ●uyl to dwel in : there is beyonde this , an other Kingdom called Dechan : The Kyngdom of ●echā this cytie is very beautiful to behold , & fruitful in maner of al thinges : the king hereof vseth great pride , and solemnitie : his pompes & triumphes are in maner incredible , they that wayt vpon the kinge , weare on the vpper partes of theyr shoes certayne shyning precious stones , as Piro●i ( whiche are a kind of Rubies or Carbuncles ) with Diamandes & such other . But what maner of Iewelles they vse in the stede of collers , eareringes , and ringes , you may well consyder , wheras they geue suche honour to theyr f●te . In this kingdom is said to be a mountayne , The diamonde stone . out of the which Diamandes are digged .

¶ Of the Diamande stone , called in Latine Adamas .

THe Diamande is engendred in the mynes of India , Ethiopia , Arabia , Macedonia , and Cyprus , and in the golde mynes of the same countries . That of India excelleth all other in beautie and clearenes : that which is of the coloure of yron , is called Siderites , The stone ●iderites . it is oftentymes found in colour like vnto cristal , & though it be sometimes lyke therto in whytnes , yet doth it differ from cristall in hardnes , in so much that if it be layd vpon an anuil , The hardne● of the di●●ond . and strongly striken with a hammer , the anuyl and hammer shal soner be wounded and leape away , then the stone perished or diminished : it doth not onelye refuse the forse of Iron , but also resisteth the power of fyre , whose heate is so farre vnable to melte it , that it can not so muche as heate it , if we geue credit to Plinie , and is also rather made purer therby , then anye wayes defyled or corrupted : neuertheles , How the diam●̄d is made softe . the singuler & and excellent hardnes of this stone , is made so softe with the hoate bloud of a Goate or a Lyon , that it maye be broken : and if it be put with molten lead in hoate fornaces , it waxeth so hoate that it wyl be dissolued : yet are not a●l Diamandes of such hardnesse , for that of Cyprus , and also that of the coloure of Iron called ●iderites , may be broken with hammers and perced with another Diamand : his vertue is to be bewray poisons , and to frustrate th opperacion therof , and beeing therefore greatly estemed of Kinges and Princes , it hath euer been of g●eat price . The montayne of diamantes . The mountaine of India out of the which the Diamandes are digged , is compassed with a walle on euery syde , & kepte with a strong defence .

¶ Of the kingdoms & cities of Narsinga and Canonor .

THe king of Narsinga , in riches and dominion excelleth all other Kinges in those partes . The chiefe cytie where the King is resident , The citie of Narsin●● . is in situa●ion and fynenes , much lyke vnto the cytie of Milayne , but that it s●andeth in a place somewhat declyning and lesse equall . This king hath euer in a red●nes manye thousandes of men of armes , as one that is euer at warre with other countreys , borderers nere aboute him . He is geuen to most vile Idolatrie , and honoureth the deuyll , euen as doth the king of Calicut . The maners and fashions of the inhabitantes , are after this sorte . The gentlemen or such as are of greatest reuenewes . vse to weare an inward cote or peticote , not very long : hauing theyr heades bounde aboute with listes & rowles of sundry coloures after the maner of the Turkes . The common people , couer onli their priuie parts and are besyde all together naked . The kinge of Narsinga The Kynge weareth on his head a stately cap made of the riche cloth of Asia , beyng two handfulles in length . When he goeth to the warres , he weareth a vesture of the silke called Goss●mpine , which he couereth with a cloke adorned with plates of gold : the hemme or edge of his cloke is beset with all maner of ouches & Iewelles . the riche trapping of the kinge● horse . Hys horse is iudged to be of such valure if you respect the price , as is one of our cities . And this is by the meanes of the innumerable multitude & sundrie kindes of precious s●ones , & perles where with the ●rappers , barbes , & other furnitures of his horse are couered , with an incredible pompe & glori . The soyle of Narsinga , beareth nether wheate nor grapes , and ●s in maner without al kinde of fruites , except ●itrons and gourdes : the inhabitantes eate no bread , but ryce , fishe and fleshe , and also walnuttes , which that countrey beareth , there begin spyces to be found , ●pices of Narsi●ga . as ginger , pepper , mirabolanes , Cardamome , Cassia , and dyuers other kyndes of spyces .

The cytie of Ca●●nor . Cananor is a very excellente cytie , fayre and beautifull in all thinges , sauing that the Kinge thereof is an Idolater . This citie hath a hauen whether the horses of Persia are brought , but theyr tribute or custome , is excedinge great : the inhabitantes lyue with ryce , flesshe , and fyshe as do they of Narsinga : in the warres they vse the sweorde , the round target , speares and bowes , & haue nowe also the vse of gonnes , they are all naked sauing their prieuie partes , and go beare headed , except when they goe to the warres , for then they couer theyr heades with a redde hatte which thei folde double , and bind it fast with a lyst or bande . In the warres they vse neither horse , mule , or asse , nether that kynde of camels which we commonly call dromedaries : The vse of ●lepha●t●● in the warres . but vse onely Elephantes . There is also in the kingdom of Narsinga another godly citie called Bisinagar : The ●●tie Bisinagar . it is compassed aboute with a walle , & situate on the side of a hyll , beeyng .viij. myles in circuite hauinge also in it a famous market place . The soyle is very fruitful , there are all delicate thinges to be found that may encrease the pleasures of this lyfe . There maye no where be found more pleasaunt feldes and woddes for hauking & huntinge , Haukī● and hu●tinge . a man woulde thinke it were a very Paradyse of pleasure . The kinge of bisinagar The king of this citie is of great power , he keepeth dayly many thousandes of men at armes , vsinge Elephantes in the stede of horses . And hath euer foure hundreth Elephantes prepared for the warres .

¶ How the Elephantes in India are prepared to warre .

THe Elephant is a beast very docible and apte to be taught , and little inferiour from humaine sense , excellinge all other beastes in fortitude and strength . Therfore the Indians , when they prepare them to the warres , put great packsaddels vpon them , which they bind fast with two chaines of Iron , comming vnder theyr belyes . Upon the packsaddels , The E●●phāte●●●wre . they haue on euery side a litle house or towre , or cage , ( if you list so to cal it ) made of wood These towres ar made fast to the necke of the beaste with certayne sawed bordes of the thickenes of halfe a hande breadth . Euery towre receyueth thre men . And betwene both the towres● vpon the back of the beast sytteth an Indian , a man of that countrey which speaketh vnto the beaste . Elephantes vnderstandeth the language of th●yr countrei . For this beast hath marueylous vnderstanding of the language of hys natyue countrey , & doth wonderfulli beare in memorie benefytes shewed vnto him . It is also moste certayne that none other beast draweth so nere to the excellence of humayne sense or reason as doeth this beast , as maye most playnly appeare , yf we considre , how he is geuen to loue & glory , to a certeyn frendly gentlenes & honest maners , ioyned with a marueylous discrecion , to know good from euil , more redy to recompence benefites than reuenge iniuries , which excellent properties are not to be found in other brute beastes . Therfore when the Elephantes go forward to the warres , Seuen armed men vpon one Elephant seuen armed men are appoynted to be caried vpon one Elephant , bearing with them , bowes , iauelins , sweordes and targettes : also the longe snout of the Elephant ( which thei cal his hand ) is armed with a sweorde of two cubites in length , and in bredth & thickenes a handfull , standinge righte forth , tyed faste to the snowte of the beast , & thus beeing furnished , they procede to the battaile : and whereas occasion requyreth to go forward or backwarde , the ruler of the beast geueth him warninge , whose voyce he vnderstandeth & o●eyeth : The ruler speaketh to the Elephant . stryke hym , sayth the ruler , forbeare hym , be fearse agaynst these , abstayne from these , the beaste obeyeth hym in all thinges , as though he had humayn reason , but yf it so chaunce that being made afrayd with fire ( which thinge they feare aboue all other ) they beginne to flye , th●y can by no meanes bee allured to stoppe theyr course , or retourne agayne , for the people of that nacion , can with many subtyl deuises as often as then listeth , raise vp fires to make those beastes afrayde . The Elephantes ioynte● . There be some men which thincke that Elephantes haue no ioyntes in theyr legges , which opinion other affirme to be vntrue , for they haue ioyntes as haue other beastes , but that they are very low & almost at their fete . The females are of greater fiercenesse then the males , and of much greater strength to beare burdens : they are sometime taken with madnes , declaring the same by theyr furious running . An Elephant excedeth in greatnes thre wilde oxen called Bubali , The bignes and shape of the Elephant● and is much lyke of heare , and eyed lyke a swine , hauing a long snout , hanging downward , with the which he putteth into his mouth whatsoeuer he eateth or drinketh , for his mouth is vnder his throte , not muche vnlyke the mouth of a swyne : his snowte hath holes in it , and is holowe within , with this they ouerthrow the stumpes of trees : & that of suche bignes , that the forse of .xxiiij. men is not able to do the same . The two great tuskes which they haue comming farre ●ute of theyr mouth , the painters erre herein . or placed in the vpper iawe , hauinge on euerye syde lappes hanging downe of the bignes of two hand breath . Theyr fete are round like vnto a flat trene dishe , hauing fyue toes like hoeues vndeuided , of the bignes of great oyster-shelles . Vnderstande the handebredth with the thumbe stretched forth . Theyr tayles are lyke vnto the tayles of wilde oxen , thre handful in length , hauing but few heares . The males are hygher then the females . They are of sundry bignes : some are of . xiij● handfulles hye , some of .xiiij. and some .xvi. Their pase in goyng , the Elephantes pa●e . is somewhat slowe and walowinge , by reason whereof , some whiche ryde on them and haue not been accustomed therto , are prouoked to vomitte , euen as they were tossed on the sea . Yet it is great plesure to ride on the yong Elephantes , for they goe as softely as ambeling moiles . When you attempt to geat vp , to ryde on them , they bow downe toward you , as though they would ●ase you with a sterope , that you may the easelier geat vp , which neuertheles cannot wel be done with out helpe . They are all vnbrideled , hauinge neither withe nor coller aboute theyr neckes , but goe with theyr heades altogether lose . And because they are not couered with bristels or bigge heares , they haue not so muche as in theyr tayle anye helpe to dryue awaye flyes . The Elephante is vexed with flyes . For euen this greate beaste also ( sayeth Plinie ) is troubled with this lyttle vermyne . Theyr skinne is verye rowghe , and full of chappes , and riftes , like the barke of a tree , being somwhat filthye and full of swette , whiche by heate resolued into vapoure , by sauour draweth flyes vnto it : How the Elephant kylleth flyes . therefore when any flyes or other creping vermen are entered into the sayde riftes of theyr skinnes , sodeynly bending and drawing together their skinne , they hold them fast and kyl them , and this is to them in the stede of a tayle , a mane , or rough and bristeled heare .

¶ Of the beaste called Rhinoceros .

Rhinoceros is comonly found in the same countrey , where Elephantes are engendred , Enmitie betwene the Elephant & Rhinoceros . and is borne an enemy to the Elephant ( as saith Plinie ) no lesse seking his destruction then doth the dragon : wherfore the Romaynes considering the natures of these beastes , were wont to put them together vpon the theater or stage , for a spectable , therby to declare the natures of enemies . The Rhinoceros ii . hornes This Rhinoceros hath two hornes , whereof the one is of notable bignes , growing oute of his nosethrilles , and is of flatte forme , and as harde as Iron . The other groweth aboue in his necke , and is but a little one , but wonderful strong : when this beast attempteth to inuade the Elephant , he fyleth & whetteth his horne on a stone and stryke that the belly of the Elephant , which place he knoweth to be most open to his stripes , and easyest to receaue hurt , because of the softenes thereof , which he cutteth with his horne as with a sweord . the fight betwene Rhinoc●ros & the Elephant Some auctours write that Rhinoceros is vnequall in bignes to the Elephante : but ●ulius Solinus saith , that he is as long as the Elephante , but hath ●horter legges : when Rhinoceros therfore & the Elephant ioyne together in fighte , they vse theyr naturall weapons : the Rhinoceros his horne , and the Elephante his tuskes , wherewith he so violentlye beateth and teareth the ●kinne of Rhinoceros being as harde as horne or shell , Rhinoce●os naturally ar●ed . & scarcelye able to be pearsed with a dart , that he neuertheles enforseth him to fall downe . Rhinoceros agayne on the other partie so woundeth the belye of the Elephante with the horne of hys nosethrilles , yf he doe not preuente hys strokes , that he fainteth with bleding . In the yere of Christ .1513 . the first day of Maye , was broughte oute of India to Emanuel the king of Portugale RhinoceroS alyue , Rhinoce●os sene in Portugale . of the coloure of boxe , somwhat variable and as it wer chekered , couered with shelles lyke scales , or rather lyke shieldes . This beast was in bignes equall to an Elephant , but had shorter legges , and was armed on euery parte . He had a stronge & sharpe horne in his nosethrilles , the whiche ( as I haue sayde ) he fyleth , when he prepareth him to fight . All this great hatered betwene these two beastes , is for the best pastures which one striueth to take from the other as some wryters saye . In the yeare of Christe .1515 . King Emanuel , set forth a spectacle in the citie of Lisbona , in which was a combat betwene the Elephant and Rhinoceros . Rhinoceros ouercometh the Elephant . A sight doubtlesse worthy great admiracion . But in this fight , the Elephant had the ouerthrowe .

¶ Of Calicut , the most famous market towne of India .

THe cytie of Calicut is in the continente or mayne lande . And the houses therof adioyning to the sea , It is not walled about but conteyneth in circuite .vi. thousand houses , not adherent together as the maner of bylding is with vs , but one being distant from another , a further space . It is extended in length a thousand pases . The houses thereof , Lowe & simple houses . are but simple and very lowe , not passinge the heygth of a manne of horsebacke from the grounde .

In the stede of a roofe , they are couered with bowes of trees , harde & thicke couched together , the cause hereof is , that yf the earth there be in anye place digged fyue handfull depth , the water springeth forth , by reason wherof they can lay no depe foundacions for theyr houses , sufficiente to beare anye heauye roofe . The Kinge of thys citie is geuen to Idolatrie , The ●ing ho●oreth ●he deuil & honoureth the deuyll himself . Yet he denieth not but that there is a God which made heauen and earth . And the same to be the chiefe auctone and fyrste cause of all thinges . But sayth that he hath committed the rule and iudgemente of the world , to the deuil , to whom he hath ge●en power to rewarde men with good or bad according to their desert●s . This deuil they cal Deumo , but the mightie God and maker of the world , they cal Iamerani , The Image of the deuil The king hath in his Chappell the Image of this deuyl Deumi , sytting with a diademe or crowne on his head , much lyke vnto the myter which the Romayne Bishoppes weare , The bisshop of Romes vicar at Calicut . saue that this deuils myter hath foure notable hornes . He sytteth gapinge and hath a greate wyde mouthe , with foure teeth & a deformed nose , lowringe eyes , a grimme , terrible , and threatening countenaunce , with hooked handes lyke fleshehookes , and feete not much vnlyke the feete of a cocke . Al such as behold this horrible monster , are sodeynly astonied . For it is surely a thing most vyle to beholde , and no lesse terrible . The chappel is on euery syde ful of painted deuyls : & in euery corner thereof sytteth a deuyll made of copper , and that so workemanly handeled , that he semeth like flaming fire , The deuil eateth soules . miserably consuming the soules of men . This deuyl with his righte hande , putteth a soule to his mouth , & with his lefte hand , he taketh another from a place beneth . Euery morning their Priestes ( called Bramini ) washe the Image of the deuyll with rose water , The de●illes chaplins or such other swete liquoure , & perfume hym with dyuerse swete sauours , kneling on theyr knees and praying vnto him . Sacrifice to the deuyl . Euerye seuenth day , thei take the bloud of a cocke & put it in a siluer vessel , ful of burning coales : addinge thereunto innumerable odoriferous gummes & pouders to make a swete smoke or fumigacion . Then the Prieste taketh his senser with burning coles , putting therto frankencense , and thus maketh his oblacion to Sathan , during which tyme of sacrifice , a lyttle syluer bell , is ronge continuallye . The king sytteth not downe to his meate , the chapleins offer to the deuyl . vntyll foure of his chapleins haue offred parte of the same meate to the deuyl . And when the Kynge goeth to dyner , he sytteth on the grounde withoute eyther carpet or table cloth . And as he sytteth at diner , foure of the priestes wayte vpon him standing : The priestes wait on the kyng . not approchinge nere vnto hym by the distaunce of foure pases , geuing reuerent attendaunce vnto the kinges talke . When he hath dyned , the Priestes take the meate that is left , Crowes had in estimacion & geue it to the crowes to eate : whiche byrdes they haue in such estimacion , that it is not lawful to hurt them . When the king shal marie a wife , he goeth not to bed with her , vntil she be defloured of the high Priest , The priestes defloure the quene . whom the king for his paines rewardeth with .v. C. pieces of golde .

¶ Of the maners of the Indians in Calicut .

NExt after the King , the priestes which serue the Idols , Priestes are had in chiefe reuerence . Nexte vnto them , the Magistrates , Magistrates . called Ner● , are no lesse estemed then amonge vs Senatoures or Lordes of the counsayl . When these goe abroade , they cary with them swordes , targettes , bowes & iauelins . Such as are counted of the thyrde order , are in like place with them , Artificers . as are Artificers with vs . They of the fourth order , lyue by fishinge . And to them of the fyfthe order , ●a●ourers . perteyneth the gathering of pepper , wyne , & walnuttes . The basest and poorest sort , are they which sowe & gather ryce , beyng contenned both of the priestes and Senatours . The Kinge , the Quene , and the inhabitantes of the cytie , haue almost no apparel , couering onely theyr fylthy partes with cotton of the tree called Gossampine , and not with silke : and are beside al together naked . They goe barefoted and bareheaded . The succession of the kingdom . When the King is dead , yf there remayne alyue any heyres , males , either children or brethren , or br●thers children , they succ●de not in the kingdome : for by custome of the countreye , the systers sonnes are inheritours to the crown : but yf there bee no suche lyuinge , he succedeth in the kingdom which is nearest of bloud to the king , of whiche costume , the reason is ( as they saye ) beecause the Priestes defloure the Quenes . As are the priestes , such is the people , When the King taketh any farre iourney , or rydeth a hunting , the Priestes wayte vpon the Quene at home , and kepe her company : for nothinge can be more thankefull to the kynge , The priestes kepe the que●e . then to haue the Quene thus accustomed in adulterye with the Priestes by whiche common prostitucion of the quene , he maye well iudge that the chyldren borne of her , are not to be estemed as his owne : and therfore assigneth the right of his inheritaunce to his systers children , as to the nerest of his bloude , because his brothers children ( as is sayd before ) may not succede him in the kingdome by the custome of the countrey . The noble men and marchauntes vse this fashion among them selues . Such as haue wiues , Exchaunginge of wyues . do often tymes chaunge theyr wyues , one frende with an other for th encrease of further frendship . At which exchaunging of wyues , one of them speaketh to another after this maner . Forasmuch as you are my veri frend , let vs chaunge wyues : on such condicion , that I maye haue yours & you myne . The other asketh him yf he speake in earneste . He sweareth yea : let vs goe than ( sayth his felow ) to my house : when they are come thether , the good man calleth forth his wife , saying vnto her : Woman , come hether & folow this man : for he shall from henceforth be thy husband . She asketh him yf he speake in earnest : Obedience in ●uyll . he answereth , in good earnest . Then sayth the woman : I wil folowe him gladly . He taketh her away with him , and in lyke maner sendeth his wyfe to his frende . And this is the custome which thei vse in chaunging of wyues . But the children remaine with theyr fyrste father . Other of these Idolaters vse dyuerse other customes . For among some of them , One woman maried to seuen men . one woman is maried to seuen husbandes , which lie with her by course one after another . And when she hath broughte forth a child , she sendeth it to whiche of her seuen husbandes she list : who maye in no case refuse it . When they eate , they lye along on the grounde , & haue theyr meate in greate disshes , or treys of copper . In the stede of spones , they vse leaues of trees . Their meate , is ryce , fishe , spyces , and fruites of the common sorte . The punishment of murther . Yf any man committe murther , and bee apprehended , he is punisshed after this maner .

They haue a kynde of gallowes made , with a poste of the lengthe of foure pases : On the whyche , not farre from the toppe , are fastened two staues with sharpe endes , the one lying ouer the other after the maner of a crosse : them the body of the offender is thrust through vpon one of the staues . And so the miserable wretche hangeth vntyll he haue geuen vppe the ghost . Sinne redemed for money . But yf any man wound another , or beate hym with a staffe , he redemeth th offence , payinge to the king a certayn of golde . When they pray , Superstition● they go fyrst before the rysing of the sunne , to some ryuer or standinge water , wherein they plunge themselues , to th intent to washe them cleane : Outeward clēlynes . And so beeinge washed , they touche nothing vntyll they haue at home at theyr houses , poured forth theyr prayers before theyr Idols . Deuylishe gestures . When they laye them selues down on the grounde , secretely to praye , they make certayne deuylishe gestures lyke vnto madde men , staring with theyr eyes , & turning them inward after a straunge sorte , wyth no lesse deforminge their countenaunce , very monstrous to beholde . When the king prepareth him to the warres he hath in a readynesse a hundreth thousand fotemen . For of horsemen they haue no vse , but only of such as fyght on Elephantes . All that are of the Kinges bande , haue a silken fyllet of scarlet colour , tied about their heades . When thei go to the warres they vse round sweordes , targets , iauelins , and bowes .

¶ Of Pepper and other spices which growe in the region of Calicut .

PEpper groweth in the suburbes of the citie of Calicut . There is some also gathered within the citie . The stalke of pepper is veri weake : Howe pepper groweth so that it can not stande vpryghte , without a stake or proppe to sustein it , as haue the vynes . It is not much vnlike vnto Iuie : and in like maner crepeth & stretcheth forth it self : embrasing & ouerspreading such t●ees as grow nere vnto it . This tree ( or rather shrubbe ) is deuided into many braunches , of the lengthe of two or thre hand bredth . His leaues are lyke the leaues of an Orenge tree : sauinge that these are somewhat grosser & fatter , wi●h small vaynes running betwene on the contrarye side . On euery twigge ther hangeth sixe thicke clusters of beries , a hand breadth in length , and of the colour of wild grapes . They are gathered in the monethes of October & Nouember : Inclininge yet to a grene colour , and so laying them on mattes or couerlettes , they set them in the sunne to be dried : where , within the space of thre dayes , it waxeth black , euen as it is brought hether . They vse neyther cutting nor digging , or other tillage , Fruitful grounde without tillag● but onely the simple & pure fruitfulnes and encrease of the earth . Plinie sayth that the trees of pepper are lyke vnto oure iuniper trees . And that in his time , some affyrmed that they were brought foorth only in the front of the mount Calicasus on the southsyde toward the sonne . But the Portugals , whiche in this our daies sayle into the Eastpartes , haue found it otherwise . The region of Calicut , beareth also Ginger : Ginger . which doubtles is a roote , & is often tymes founde of the weighte of .xij. vnces : but al are not of lyke bignes . This roote entreth no deper into the ground , than .iii. or .iiii. handbredth , like vnto the rede . When ginger is digged out of the ground , A ro●e for a sed● they leaue the knotte or ioynte of the roote , in the pytte out of which they digged the ginger : couering the same with earth as a sede , agaynst the next yeare to encrease & bring forth more ginger . It is found in playn ground of a redde erth , as ar Mirabalanes . Ther groweth also diuers other frutes & shrubbes vnknowen to vs , Fruytes vnknowen to vs . as laceri , graccara , amba , Carocapel , Comolanga , and such other of which some haue the taste and sauours of quinces , some of peaches , some of damaske prunes , some of melones , and some of figges , &c. Aloe groweth also in that region : Aloe . and is a certayn gumme , gathered from a litle tree , which is fastened in the earth , onely with one roote after the maner of a staffe , pytched in the grounde . The bodie of the tree , is tender and redde , of strong sauour & bitter tast . It somtyme putteth forth droppes of gumme withoute anye cuttinge . And this of India , is muche better then that which groweth in Iudea .

¶ Of byrdes & beastes which are found in the region of Calicut : and of the wyne of the merueylous tree .

THere is found in Calicut , diuers & sundry kyndes of foure footed beastes and foules . As lions , wilde boores , hartes , hyndes , wolues , kyne , wylde oxen , goates , and Elephantes : whych neuertheles are not engendred there , but brought thether . There bee also grene popingiays , Papingiayes of diuers kyndes . & some white fethers of variable colours , lying like scoutchins Some also of purple coloure . Of these there is such plentie , that they are fayne to appoint men to kepe them from the rice which groweth there in the feldes . They are merueilous chatteringe & of small price . There are also birdes called Sarau , Sweete si●ginge of ●irdes somwhat lesse then popingiayes , but make a much sweter noyse . There are also manye other kyndes of byrdes vnlyke vnto oures : Of which , euerye morning & euening is hearde suche a harmonie & so swete a noyse , that nothing can be more delectable : In so little mouthes consisteth in maner al musicke , and therfore the inhabitauntes lyue in greate pleasure , as though they were in an earthly paradise , Earthly paradise where floures are euer springing , and trees continue grene al the hole yeare . The heauen is beneficiall vnto them , and the ayre most temperate continually . temperate ayre . So that thei are nether bytten with colde in winter nor burnt with heate in somer , but lyue as it were in continual springe tyme . Continual spring The same region bringeth forth also Marmasets & Munkeys , Munkeys . whiche are great hinderaunce to the men of the countrey : and specially to the poore sorte , beecanse they clyme the walnut trees , and spylle the sweete liquoure of the fruyte thereof , of which the Indians make most pleasaunt wyne . For these Indians haue a tree most excellent aboue all other trees of the world , which bringeth foorth dates lyke vnto the Palme tree . A tree of sundrye commodit●es● This tree serueth them for fire-wood : and beareth a kynde of walnuttes most delicate to be eaten : Also a kind of cordes , softe cloth , wine , oyle , and suger . But chiefly it bringeth foorth this excellent kynde of nuttes like vnto dates . From these they take awaye the fyrste rynde or barke & cast it in the fire . The other fruite is not muche vnlyke Gossampin● cotton , or sylke . Silke of trees . Of the floures they make cloth lyke silke : the flaxe whiche is lefte , they spinne agayne , and make therof smal roopes or cordes . Ropes of trees . The last barke or rinde , conteineth the nutte , whose thickenesse is no more than the lyttle fynger of a mans hande . Furthermore the sweete liquoure or wyne , Wyne of trees . is engendered with the nutte , so that as the nutte groweth , the liquoure also encreaseth : In so much that when the nut is full growen , the lyquoure fyllethe the inne warde partes of of the same . And thys liquoure or wyne , is most cleare , not muche vnlyke vnto rosewater : Of which neuertheles is made a very fatte oile . Oyle of water . They cut also the trunke or stocke of the tree in the morning & euening : by whiche meanes they gather a most excellent liquour , which they seeth on the fyre , and make thereof so merueylous a drinke , that if a man drinke therof beyond measure , he is drieuen into furie & madnes . This liquour is vsed there in the stede of wyne . But let vs nowe returne to the beastes which are found in Calicut . Serpentes growe there vnto such houdge greatnesse , Serpents as bigge as swine that they are in maner as bigge as swyne . They haue heades much larger than bores heades . Thei are foure foted , foure cubites in length , engendered & conuersaunte in fennie and marrishe groundes . Serpents without ●oyso● . The men of that edouardi saye that these beastes are without poyson . There are also found other kyndes of serpentes : of the whiche one kynde hath so mortall venime , that yf they drawe neuer so lyttle blud , it causeth present death . There are other serpentes which in quantite represent the serpent called Aspis . Again , othersome are much higher of whiche there are greate plentie . The men of the countrey thinke that they are spirites fallen from heauen : Serpent● counted for heauenvly spirites . and therfore haue them in great reuerence . Thei haue conceaued this opinion of them , becau●e that in maner with touching , they bringe present death . And this is the cause whi there is so great abundaunt of serpentes , that by the kinges commaundement it is not lawful to hurt them : and therefore they wander safelye where them listeth , and are estemed of them as thinges that bring good fortune . For whereas the men of the countrey , goe abroade aboute anye busines , thei take it for good luck to mete any of them by the waye . The popingiayes of India , grene popingaies are for the most part , of grene colour besyde the head , which is ether redde or yelowe like golde . They haue a great and large toung , and are therfore of a louder voyce , & speake more plainly . They learne the fyrst & second yeare such thinges as are taughte them . And beare them longer in memory . They drinke wyne , & vse theyr fete in the stede of handes when they feede .

¶ Of the sundrye kindes of Spices , which are founde in Calicut , and from whence they are brought thyther .

GInger groweth in Calicut , yet is there much broughte thether from the cytie of Canonor . Canonor ,

Cinamome commeth from the Ilande of Zaylon , Zaylon whyche is fyftye leages beeyonde Calicut Eastwarde .

Pepper groweth in Calicut : but muche more is broughte thether from Corimucol , Corimucol . whiche is .xij. leages beyonde Calicut .

Cloues are gathered in a place , called Meluza , Meluza , certayn leages distant from Calicut .

Nutmegges and Mace , growe in Molucha , Molucha beyng distante from Calicut hundreth and thre score leages , and somewhat more .

Muske & Castoreum , is brought from the region of Pego , Pego , which is from Calicut , almoste hundreth and fyftye leages .

Pearles of the biggest sorte , are gathered neare vnto the Iland and cytie of Ormus , Ormus , situate in the goulfe called Sinus Persicus : And are sente from thence to Calicut , as to the generall market towne of all the East partes .

Spikenarde , & Mirabalanes , as brought from Cambaia to Calicut . Cambaia .

Frankencense , and Myrre , come from Arabia . Arabia .

Aloe , and Camphyre , are brought from Kyui , or China .l. l●ages from Calicut . China .

Samoto● . Long pepper cometh from Samotor . Cardamome the greater , is brought from Canonor .

Darnasseri . Presilium , or brasyll , cometh from Darnasseri , otherwyse called Tarmasseri , almost . CC. leages from Calicut .

¶ Of the Iland of Zaylon , and of Cinomome found there .

ZAylon is a very large region● & bringeth foorth chefelye Elephantes in greate plentie . Elephantes . It hath also Mountaynes of merueylous length : at the rootes wherof ar found Rubines , Hiacinthes , Saphyres , Topases , precious stones . and suche other precious stones . In this Iland groweth the Cinomome tree , Cinomome . not much vnlyke the bayetree , specially in the leaues . It bringeth forth graynes much lyke vnto baye beries , but somwhat lesse and whytishe . That which we commonly call Cinomome , is nothinge els but the barke or rynde of a tree , which is gathered after this maner Euery thyrde yeare they cut of the braunches of the trees , and take of the barke or rynde therof , which is our Cinomome . They cut not the body of the tree , but only the branches . When it is first gathered , it is grene , & not perfectly swete vntyll it be kept a moneth . This Iland is situate vnder the Equinoctial line , The Equinoctial ly●e where is continuall springe all the yeare . The inhabitauntes weare clokes , with one arme oute vncouered , & haue clothe made of Gossampine cotton , or of silke . weapō● of redes A rede is to them in the stede of sworde , rapyre , & iauelyne . And are therefore seldome slayne in the warres .

¶ Of the cytie of Tarnasseri , & the maner of the cytezins there .

Narsinga THe cytie of Tarnasseri , is distaunte from the Kingdome of Narsinga .xiiij. dayes sayling Estward , & hath a king of great puyssaunce and marueylous riche . The soyle of this citie , bringeth forth wheate , cotton of Gossampine trees , & plentie of silke . The fieldes bringe foorthe all kindes of fruites : quinces also and oranges . It is replenisshed with manye and sundrye kyndes of beastes aswell wyld as tame , as kyne , shepe , gotes swyne , hartes , hyndes , wolues and lyons . There are also seene those kyndes of cattes whiche beare the riche furres called Zibellim , ●he beast whiche beareth the furre called Sable● . which we call Sables . In all the fieldes and woodes of this region are founde many Peacockes , Faulcons , & most fayre Popingiayes of white colour intermingled with seuen variable coloures . There is also maruelous plentye of hares and partryches . There are manye other straunge kyndes of foules : Foule● of meruelous bignes . and specially such as lyue by praye , whiche are muche higher then Eagles : whose vpper beakes are of suche bignes & hardnes , that handles for sweordes are made thereof . Also the cockes and hennes of thys region are muche hygher and bigger then ours . When the people of the countreye goe to theyr meate , they lye downe on the grounde withoute carpet or cloth : Yet vse they woodden vesselles . workemanlye made . Theyr drinke is water myxte with suger : but the poorer sorte , drinke onelye water . Their beddes are made of Gossampine cotton , Bedde● of silke . wyth couerlettes also of cotton or sylke . They goe all in generall barefooted excepte the Priestes . Priestes The Kynge of this cytye , doeth not commytte his wife to the Priestes to bee defloured , as doth the king of Calicut , the quene defloured of white menne . but to whyte men , as are the christians & Turkes . For this office is not committed to the Idoloters . But after that the new maried quene hath been thus defloured the fyrst night , yf euer after she doe dishonour the Kyng her husband , by violating the faith made to him , Adulteri punisshed with death from thencefoorth neuer to knowe any other man carnally , her punishment is death incontinently . When the Kynges or the Priestes dye , their bodies are laid on a great fyre , and the asshes therof reserued in erthen pottes , putting thereto a porcion of salte petre , and buryinge the same in theyr owne houses . How the kinge is buried .

While the bodies are burning , they cast into the fyre al kyndes of swete sauouring gummes , and spices : as Aloe , Frankencense , Myrre , Storax , Coralle , sandalles , and suche other innumerable : In the meane tyme blowing trumpets & shawmes , M●●stre is● after the maner of them which amonge the gentiles were canonized into the numbre of the goddes . And within xv . dayes after the husbandes death , the queene dyeth willing●ly . the wyfe calleth to her all her kinsfolkes , bidding them to a banket : & so being decked with al her iewels , she procedeth with them to the place where her husbande was buried , where a graue is redye digged for her , inclosed about with silken cloth , hauinge in it a fyre made of sweete wood . When the woman hath thus feasted her kynsfolkes , she eateth much of the herbe called Betola , the her● Betola ● wherby she is driuen into a madnes . In thys meane whyle , innumerable trumpetters ( wearing such vestures as they vse in the deuyls seruice ) go as it were on procession aboute the graue , while the woman runneth vp and down , daunsing continually like a frantike bodie . And thus when the ceremonies are fynished , she casteth her selfe headlong into the fyre and graue : What ●redulitie maye doe in false religion , and that with no lesse cherefulnes than yf she should be receaued into heauen . And vnlesse the woman shoulde performe thys custome , she should incurre most vyle infamie , & be a mocking stocke to all her nacion , Honour dere boughte as one that loued not her husband . But the common people vse not thys custome : but only the rulers & princes . And therfore the king him selfe is often tymes presente at these solemnities .

¶ Of the kingdoms and cities of Pego and Bangella .

the king & citie of Bangella FRom the cytie of Iarnasseri , to the cytie of Bangalla , is .xi. dayes saylinge . This cytie hath a kynge : and the countrey is very fruyteful with great plentie of wheat , fleshe , suger , ginger , and gossampine cotton : and hath therfore very rich marchantes . There yearely passeth from this citie fyftie shyppes frayghted wyth gossampine cotton , and silke clothes : Sil●●● which are caried from thence to the Turkes , Syrians , Arabians , Persians , Ethiopians , & Indians . Here are also founde certayne Christian merchaunt men , which come out of Thempire of the great Cham of Cathay : Chr●●●i● men of Cathay bringing with them Aloe , Castoreum and the swete gumme called Laserpitium , with other swete sauours . In this cytie , the men spinne and carde and make clothe , and not the womenne . From this cytie Eastwarde , is another great citie called Pego , The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 beyng situate by a verye fayre ryuer . The Kinge of thys cytie , is an Idolater , and hathe innumerable menne of worre , both horsemenne and footemenne . The soyle beareth wheate plentifullye : and bringeth foorth in maner all kyndes of beastes , & hath therfore great abundaunce of fleshe Yet are there but fewe Elephants : But of other beastes and foules , greate plentie as is at Calicut : & speciallye of popingiayes , whiche are of louder voice than in any other place . There is little trafficque or marchaundise in this region , Ru●ies shyning by night except iewels & precious stones and speciallye Rubies , called Pyropi , whiche are broughte thether from the cytie of Capelan . Lacha , Lacca , or ●●acta ● is 〈…〉 tree 〈…〉 . These precious stones shyne so brighte in the darke nyghte , as thoughe it were the sonne beames . The countrey adioyning , bringeth forth Lacha , Sandalum , called saunders : Also brasile , gossampine cotton and sylke . ●●laccha From Pego to the cytie of Malaccha ( whiche some call Melaqua ) is eyghe● dayes saylinge : where on the other syde is sene a great Iland called Sumatra , ●●matra . otherwise Samotra , & was in time paste called Taprobana . ●aproba●a . This Malaccha , hath a goodly & commodious hauen : by reason wherof , moe shippes arriue there then in any other place : bringinge with them spyces and other marchaundise in great abundance . The region is not generally fruytful , yet hath it wheat and f●eshe : but greate scarcenesse of wood . The soules wander in the feldes as they doe in the region of Calicut . But the popingiayes are here much fayrer . It bringeth foorth also spices , saunders , tinne , elephantes , horses , shepe wilde oxen , pecockes , and such other kyndes of beastes . It is not lawfull there to bye and sell● except you bye spices and sylke . It is also there very daungerous to walke in the citie in the nighte season , beecause of the theft & cruelnes of the inhabitantes , which kil one another like dogges . And therfore the marchaund straungers lodge not out of their shippes . How the Portugales subdued Malaccha , shal be said hereafter in the descripcion of the newe Ilandes .

¶ Of the greate and ryche Ilande of Sumatra , or Samotra , sometyme called Tabrobana .

●he Iland of Taprobana . SOme thinke this Sumatra , to be that Iland which of the old writers is called Tabrobana . It is verye great and riche : and hath in it foure Kinges crowned with Diademes . They are Idolaters : in religion , maner of lyuinge , and apparell , not muche vnlyke the Kinge of Tarnasseri . They exceade all other men in bignesse of bodie . They haue greye or blewe eyes , and are of cruell countenaunce , and terrible voyce . They are long lyued , Men of a hundreth ●eres of age . and lyue euen vntyl an hundreth yeares of age . The sea in certaine chanels is of such heigth and depth , that no anker may come to the bottome therof . The inhabitantes are great fyshers on the sea , and haue great pleasure to take the shelle fysshe , called the Tortoyse of the sea : of whiche , some are of suche houdge bignes , that the shelle of one of them may suffise to make a house well able to receaue a hole famelie . Shelle● of fishe● for houses . For some of them beare shelles of xv . cubites in length : and are therefore apt for that purpose . The most part of this Ilande is burnte with heate , and hath in it many desolate places and wildernesses . There are founde many and greate Pearles . Great pearles● For theyr money , Coyned golde & siluer for moneye they vse coyned golde , syluer and tynne . The golden coyne , hath on the one syde a deuils head grauen , and on the othersyde a chariot which Elephantes draw . This region bringeth foorth more plentie of Elephantes , of greater stature , & a better broede , then are found in any other place . In the sea about this Ilande , are often tymes sene the great monstrous fysshes , Fishes of monstrous bignesse & kynde of Whales , called Balene , which bring many incommodities to the inhabitantes . They are of such monstrous bignes , that when they approche to the Sea bankes , they seeme lyke vnto hylles : they haue rough backes full of sharpe prickes . And except men walke very warely by the sea bankes , they are in daunger to be sodeynly swalowed vp of these monsters . Some of them haue so greate and wyde mouthes , that they sometymes swallowe whole shippes with the men . This countrey bringeth foorthe Lacha , Lacca , or Lacta , 〈◊〉 . which steyneth silke & cloth in high redde or crimison coloure . It is engendred in a tree , not much vnlyke vnto our walnut trees . Ther is also great plenty of pepper , higher than is founde in other places . In ●heir mother tonge pepper is called Molaga . It is solde there by measure , Pepper solde by measure as wheat is with vs , & not by weight . There is so great plentie hereof , that there are yearely certayne shippes laden therwith to Cathay Cathay . where the aire is colder . From Sumetra to the Iland of Banda , the Ilad of banda which is but rude and barren , and of playne and lowe grounde , whose inhabitantes are barbarous , & little differinge from beastes , hauing lowe houses , and no apparell but shertes , barefoted and bareheaded , with long heare , of despicable stature , dulle witted , of no strength , and Idolaters . The soyle of this countrey , bringeth forth nothing but nutmegges , & a few other fruites . The s●alke or bodi of the nutmeg tree , The nutmeg tree is not much vnlike the stalke of a peache tree , bringing forth lyke braunches and leaues , but somewhat narower . Before these nutts be rype , the mace crepeth on the tree , lyke a florishing rose . Mace And when the nutte waxeth rype , the mace embraseth it round about . And so they gather both together in commune , at a tyme appointed : for they vse no distribucion thereof , but he that gathereth most , hath most . This tree bringeth forth his fruyte plentifully without any arte of husbandrye or tyllage . They are gathered at such time as we gather chestnuttes From this Iland within sixe dayes sayling , is the Iland of Monoch , the Iland of Mo●och . in the which cloues are founde , as also in other Ilandes , therto adioyninge . The tree whiche beareth cloues , hath his stalke not much vnlike vnto the boxe tree , with leaues lyke the Cinomome tree , but somewhat rounder . Cloues . And when the cloues beginne to waxe rype , they beate the trees with redes , spreding fyrst couerlettes or mattes vnder the same . The grounde where these trees grow , is of the colour of cleye or sand . This region is situate so low , that the seuen starres called Septen●riones ( being not farre from Vrsa maior , Charles Waine . called charles wayne ) can not there be sene , Pole Antartike . because the south pole ( called pole Antartike ) appeareth aboue the earth .

¶ Of the Ilande of Bornei .

THe Iland of Bornei ( which some call Porne ) is distant from Monoch fiftie leages . The inhabitantes are Idolaters , Idoloters . very quick witted , and of maner of liuing not greatly to be discommended . Thei vse not al one kynde of apparell . Some weare shertes of gossampine cotton , some beastes skinnes , & some high cappes lyke myters , of redde colour . This Iland bringeth forth yearely great plentie of Camphora , called camphyre , Camphire whiche they affirme to be the gumme of a certayn tree . Of this Ilande I wil speake more hereafter in the nauigacions toward the East partes .

¶ Of the Iland of Giaua .

The Iland of Gyaua , is distant from Bornei , v. dayes sayling towarde the south . This Iland is so great , that it conteineth in it many kingdoms : the inhabitantes a● geuen to idolatri . It brigeth forth silke , Silke groweth in woodes . which of it selfe groweth there plentifullye in the wooddes . The precyous stone called Smaragdus ( which is the true Emerode ) is found there more excellent , The ●maragde or emerode Golde & copper . then in any other place of the worlde . It hath abundaunce of golde & copper of the best kynd . The soyle beareth wheat & other corne , withal kindes of fruites in great plentie . When the men of this countrie goe to the sea , theyr weapons are bowes , arrowes of redes and arrowes of redes . They vse also to infect theyr arrowes with venime , arrowes infected with venime . and to blowe them oute of a trunke as we doe pellets of claye : with the which yf they drawe neuer so little bloud , presente death foloweth immedialye . They haue also this custome , A strange custome that when they see theyr parentes by reason of age to be vnprofitable , they bring them to the market towne , and there sell them to the people called Anthropophagi , Anthropophagi which eat ●leshe , of whom they are incontinently slay●e , and eaten . The same doe the● with the yonger forte also , yf they fall into any desperate disease .

¶ Of the Iland of Iaua .

THere are two Ilandes of thys name , as Iaua the more & Iaua the lesse . The biggest reacheth forth toward the South , & is sayd to haue in it many kingdoms . The inhabitantes are Idolaters & haue a peculier language . In this Iland is greate plentie of pepper , Spyce● Nuttemegges , Spikenarde , Galangale , & other spices . Mani marchauntes of other countreies are wont to resorte thether , & geat great riches by the spices which they carie from thense . In this Iland also are people called Anthropophagi , which are wont to eate mens fleshe .

¶ Of the Iland of Madagascar .

THis Iland is counted to be one of the greatest and rycheste Ilandes of the worlde . The inhabitantes are of Mahumets secte as are the Turkes . Mahumetistes It bringeth forth many Elephantes , Elephantes . by reason wherof there is greate plentie of Iuerye which is the Elephantes to the. For it is thought that there is no greater plentie of Iuerie , Iuerie than in this Iland & in the Iland of Cuzibet . the Iland of Cuzibet . They eate the fleshe of none other beastes , but onely of Camels , Camels fleshe eate● . because the Ilande is full thereof , & also that it is founde to be more holesome for the people of that countrey then any other fleshe . There are also in this Iland manye woddes that bringe foorth redde sanders , woddes of redde Sanders for the which many marchauntes resort thether . In the sea about this Iland● great whales are taken , Whales Amber , out of the which amber is gathered . There are lions , leopardes , Lions & Leopardes . hartes , hyndes , goates , and many other beastes and foules , by reason whereof , they vse muche haukinge and huntinge .

¶ Of the Iland of Zanzibar .

THe Ilande of Zanzibar , hath a peculier Kinge and language . The inhabitantes are idolaters , & are of grosse and shorte stature : Bigge men of low stature . but yf theyr heygth dydde aunswere to theyr thickenesse and breadth , they mighte seme to be giauntes . They are all blacke , and goe naked , onely couering theyr pryuie partes . The heare of theyr heades , is merueylouslye corlde . Peopl● deformed . They haue greate mouthes , nosethrilles flyrtting vpwarde and wyde , with great eares and cruell eyes . Theyr women are deformed by reason of theyr greate eyes , greate mouthes , and greate nosethrilles . They liue with milke , flesshe , ryce , and dates . Ryce & Dates . They lacke wyne : Yet they make a pleasaunt drinke of ryce , suger , and other spices . ●rinke of spices Many marchauntes resorte thether for yuerie & Amber , Amber . for there is greate plentye of Elephantes and great whales .

¶ Of the two Ilandes , in one of the which dwell onely men , and in the other onely women .

IN the mayne sea , there are two Ilandes , distante the one from the other aboute .viij. or .ix. leages toward the south , situate betwene the cytie of Aden and Calicut . In one of the which dwel onely men without the company of women , and is called the Ilande of men . the Iland of men . And in the other dwell onely women , without men , and is called the Ilande of women . the Iland of women They are Christians , christians and contract matrimonie . The women neuer come to the Ilande of men , but the men are accustomed to vysyte the women once in the yeare , and tarye with them thre monethes continually , euery man with his owne wife in his owne house : after which time they returne agayn to her owne Ilande , where they remayne all the yere after . The women kepe the men children with them vntyll they bee xv . yeares of age , & then send them to theyr fathers . The women haue nought els to do , but to take charge of their children , and to gather certayne fruites . But the men labour and haue care how they may fynde theyr wyfe and chyldren . They are exercysed in fyshing , Fishing and sell fyshes both newe taken and olde dryed , to marchaunte straungers , whereby they receaue great commoditios .

¶ Of the greate Empyre of Cathay , being vnder the dominion of the great Cham ( whiche some call the great Can ) Emperoure of Tartaria , in olde tyme called Scythia .

THe superiour or high India , whiche is nowe called Cathay , is a region excedinge large and of greate power , whose Emperour is the great Cham of Tartaria , the great Cham of Tartari hauinge vnder him many Prouinces , people and Princes , and innumerable Ilandes in the great East sea , called the greate Ocean . He hath vnder his dominion great & famous cities , Famous cities vnder the greate Cham. as are these : Cambalu , Quenquinafu , Mi●n , Cacausu , Canglu , T●dinfu , Tingui , and dyuers other . Among the people of this countrey , one man hath manye wyues , manye wyues . whiche declare theyr loue to their husbandes after this sort . When the husband is dead , euery one of his wiues pleade their cause before a iudge , What naturall affection may doe to proue which of them was most louing to her husband & beste beloued of him : so that she which by the sentence of the iudges is found to haue been most faythful and diligente , decketh herselfe moste gorgiously in all her sumptuous araye , & procedeth like a Virago stoutly & cherefully to the fire , where the corps of her husbande was burnte , castinge her selfe into the same fyre , embrasing and kissing the dead bodi of her husband , vntyll she also be consumed by the fyre , whiche she reputeth for an honourable sepulture : whereas his other wyues are estemed to lyue in shame and infamie . They ioyne in mariage , neyther in respect of riches or nobilite , but onlye for loue & beautie : & rather for the encrease of posteritie , then for plea●ure . There is also another straunge custome among these Indians : A strang● custome & that is , that wheras the poorer sort are not able to geue any dowry with theyr doughters to mariage , they bringe them forth , euen in the floure of their age to the market place , with trumpettes & such other instrumentes as they vse in the warres . Where , the multitude beynge called together , the maydes fyrste of all , discouere theyr backe partes , euen vp to the shoulders , & afterward theyr forepartes in lyke maners . And vpon this declaring their pouertie & nakednes , are maried to such as lyke them best . This people of Cathay , The people of Cathay . are of the nacion of them which in tyme past were called Scythians , a kind of men ( as saith Haitho ) of subtill wyt : affyrming that onely they see with two eies , & that all other men besyde them are blind of the one eye . Theyr quickenes of witte is great , but their boasting is more . The hole nacion is perswaded that they greatly excel all other men in subteltie of wit and knowledge . The inhabitantes are whyte men , with small eyes , withoute beardes , & vtterly voyde of all godly knowledge . Idolotours . For some of them pray to the sunne , some to the mone , some to Images , some to an oxe , and some to other monsters of theyr phantasticall supersticion . They haue no law written , and are of no faith . And albeit that in workemanship and artes they are marueylous wyttie , yet haue they no knowledge of dyuine or godly thinges . It is a timorous kynde of men , and greatly fearinge death . And are therefore in theyr warres , more politike then valient . In the warres , they vse arrowes , & certayne other kyndes of weapons vnknowen to men of other countreis . The monie which they vse , Money of paper is made of a certayne paper , beeinge foure square , with the Kinges ymage printed theron . Theyr housholde stuffe is of golde & syluer & other metals . Golde & Syluer● they haue greate scarcenes of oyle . The great Emperour of Cathay , keepeth his courte in the riche & mightie cytie called Cambalu , the cytie of Cambalu . being the chefest citie of all the Empyre , & of such greatnesse that it conteyneth in circuite sixe l●ages . This citie is foure square , so that euery quadrature or syde of the wall , hath in it thre principal portes or gates . Also in all the corners of the walles , are veri faire palaces , in which the artillery or armure of the cytie is reserued . The stretes are made very streyght and right forth : so that from any one gate to the other beinge directly ouer against the same , a man may se plainly through the cytie , hauing the houses on euery syde lyke palaces , placed in goodly ordre , most beautifull to behold . Without the cytie , there are twelue great suburbes , adherent to the .xii. gates of the cytie , whether the marchauntes & straungers , Marchā●yse . haue their continual recourse as to the burse or strete . It can not be spoken what great abundaunce of marchaundise and riches is brought to his citie : a man wold thinke that it were sufficient to serue all the worlde . Precious stones , precious stones & spyces . pearles , silke , and spices of dyuers kindes are brought thether , from India and Mangi , & other regions . There passeth not a daye in the yeare in which there are not about a thousand waynes laden with silke which are brought to this citie by straunge marchauntes . No●e . What greate pompe , glory , & forniture of all thinges , is obserued in the Emperours courte , the king of Cathay his court it can not be spoken . He hath in his courte twelue thousand horsemen , whiche haue the custodie of his body : & distribute their waytinge dayes after this order , that whereas one of the captaynes of this garison with his thre thousand souldiers hath wayted vpon the kinges personne , three dayes , another captayne in lyke order wyth as manye menne succedeth in hys rowme for other three dayes , and lykewyse an other after hym , executethe the same offyce . When the Emperoure maketh anye bankette , it cannot be said what great pompe is obserued . He hath sytting at his lefte hand his chefest quene whom he most estemeth : The Quene . and at his right hand hys sonnes , a●d suche as are of the kinges bloud : but thei syt somwhat lower & further of . The other noble men which wayte not , sytte in a place yet somewhat lower . All such as in the court syt at meat , vse none other drinking cuppes then of gold Golden plate . The Princes whiche wayte on the Emperoure at hys meate , worldly glory . haue all theyr mouthes couered with fyne silken clothes , least in any case they should blow or breath on the kinges meate or drinke . And when the Emperour lifteth vp his cup to drinke , al the musicions and minstrels that stand about him , playe on theyr instrumentes , while in the meane time all suche as wayte on hym , stoupe downe & make lowe curtesie . How great honoure is exhibited to this Emperour ' , & howe many precious and riche presentes are offred vnto him by his Princes , Dukes , Leaue tenauntes and presydentes of prouinces , and rulers of cities , no man is able to expresse , forasmuche as he hath vnder him in maner innumerable Kingdomes , Prouinces , Nacions and Dominions , which are on euery syde about Cathay , & acknoweledge him to be theyr onelye Lorde and King , whom they honoure and reuerence as a great God & mighti Mahumet . A liuing Idol . In what pompe & triumphant magnificence he sheweth him self when he goeth to hauke or hunt , and how many tentes he pitcheth in the felde , which being sene a farre of , a man would thinke to be a greate cytie , he that desyreth to knowe , let him reade Paulus Venetus , Paulu● venetu● in the second boke of hys nauigacions into India , where he shal find thinges to marueyl at . In Cathay they make a pleasaunt drinke of ryce & certayne spyces , Drinke of rice & spyces . which in drinking excelleth the swetenes of wine . In many places they haue great lacke of wood : In the stede wherof , Digged cole . they digge out of the mountaynes a certayn kinde of blacke stone whiche burne in the fyre like coles , and continue so long , that yf they be kyndled ouer night , they kepe fyre vnto the morning .

¶ Of certaine Prouinces and regions subiect vnder the dominion of the greate Cham Emperour of Cathay .

THere passeth through the kingdom of Cathay , a certayne greate ryuer called Pulisachnites , which emptieth it selfe in the great Ocean sea , by the whiche ryuer , shyppes haue their passage into that lande . Ouer this ryuer is a very fayre bridge of marble , A greate bridge of marble . beyng in length three hundreth pases , and in breadth , eyghte pases , with .xxiiii. arches , and grauen Lions on euery syde , adourning the rayles or highest margentes of the same . From hence it is not farre to the fayre and greate kingdom of ●ainfu , the ki●gdome of Tainfu . in the which are many goodli vynes . For in the kingdom of Cathay there groweth no wyne , but is brought the ther from this region . In this kingdome is greate vse of marchaundyse , and hath plentie of conning artificers , Connyng artificers . so that al the armure which the great Cham vseth in his warres , is made there . Toward the region of Mangi , is situate the ryuer Caromoram , whiche for the greate breadth and depth , hath no bridge . In this region is greate abundaunce of Ginger , Ginger . silke , byrdes , and speciallye Phesantes . Somewhat beyonde this , is the great cytie of Quenquinafu , Quenquinafu . beynge the chief cytie of the same kingdome . In this region are founde many muskeca●tes . the mus●e catte . This beast in this countreye , is but lyttle and fayre , aboute the bignesse of a meane catte , with grosse heare lyke a harte , hauinge blunte clawes on his fete , with two longe teeth in the vpper iawe , and two in the nether iawe : and hath nere vnto the nauell a bladder full of a certayne matter like vnto bloud , being of wonderful ●tagrant sauoure , Siuet or muske . and is the true muske .

¶ Of the Prouince of Mangi , and merueylous cyties conteyned in the same .

THe Prouince of Mangi , hath in it many notable and great cities , in the whiche is greate exercyse of marchaundyse : Marchandyse . and specially in the citie of Conigangui , is solde great plentie of salt . ●alte . In the cytie of Panchi , there is great sale of silke . Sylke . In the cytie of Sianfu , Cloth of golde . is made great plentie of clothes of golde and silke . In the cytie singui , is a famous market where great abundance of marchaundise is brought by the ryuer . Nere vnto the citie of Caigui , groweth plentie of blade and ryce , Ryce . that it is caried from thence to the court of the greate Cham. In the citie of singui , are numbred to be about sixe thousande bridges of stone , VI. ● bridges of stone . hauinge so highe arches , that greate shippes maye passe vnder the same without bowing down of the mast . There is another citie called Quinsai , the great citie of Quinsai . which is so fayre & great , that there is thought to be no bigger in al the worlde . It conteyneth in circuite , a hundreth Italien miles , which make xxv . leages . It hath twelue thousande bridges of stone , Xij. M● bridges of stone . and those so highe that greate shippes with the maste standing vp right , maye passe vnder . This cytie is situate in a marrishe ground , muche lyke vnto venes . Therfore if they should lack bridges , they coulde not passe ouer from the one syde of the streete to the other . Artificers . It hath innumerable artificers and many marchauntes . Marchauntes The cytezins lyue pleasantly , and specially the women , which are fayrer than in other partes of ●ndia . Toward the South syde of the cytye , there is a great lake or poole within the walles of the cytie , whiche conteyneth in circuitie about .viii. leages , hauinge about the bankes therof many noble mens houses , very fayre both without and within . E●mmō bāketi●ge houses . In the middeste of this lake , there are two litle Ilandes and in euery of them a goodly palace , in the which are reserued al suche ornamentes & vessels as they vse for theyr mariages & solemne feastes● for whereas any of the cytezins entende to make any great banket , or feast , they bring theyr gestes to one of these palaces , where they are honorably enterteined . In the stretes of the citie , are certaine comon towres , into the which , A good prouysion again●te fyre . al such as dwell neare therto , carie theyr goodes & stuffe , yf it so chaunce , the fyre be in the citie . The inhabitantes are Idoloters : & eate the fleshe of horses & camels , Flesh of horses eaten . & of other vnclene beastes . The great Cham hath in this cyt●e a myghtie garison to the intente to auoyde rebellion , A p●ouision aga●nst rebellion . thefte & murther . For on euery bridge there wayteth dayly & nightlye .x. watchmen for the same purpose : and because the Prouince of Mangi is exceding large , the great Cham hath deuyded it into nyne Kingdomes , assigninge vnto euerye one a peculier Kynge : whiche are al of greate powre , and yet subiecte to the greate Cham. One of them dwelleth in the citie of Quinsai . In thys Prouince of Mangi , Anthropophagi . is an other Kyngdome , called Fugui , in whiche the people eate mannes flesshe , so that they dye not of any disease . They drinke the bloud and eate the fleshe of such as are slayne in the warres . Hennes hauinge heare in the stede of fethers . There are hennes found in this region , which in the stede of fethers , haue heare much lyke cattes heare of blacke colour : And laye very good egges .

¶ Of the region of Tangut , and of the great desertes , & voyces of deuylles hearde in the same , & of the Salamandra .

the way from Persia to Cathay . FRom the Kingdome of Persia , there are two iourneyes to the region of Cathay . For either the south side must be obserued towarde India , or elles to passe by the prouinces of Carcham , Cotam & Peim , Northeastwarde to the citie of Lop , the cytie of Lop. beynge the greatest and most notable cytie in all that region , lying betwene the East and the North at the entraunce at the great desert . In this cytie , al suche marchauntes , The iorney by the desertes as entende to passe the desertes , make preparacion for all thinges necessarye for their yourneye : And rest in the same , vntill they are well prouided of strong asses and camels to carye there vitayles . And when in the desert their vitayles begin to fayle them , they kyl theyr asses or leaue them there in the wyldernes , because they can no longer prouide them of pasture , vntyll they haue passed ouer the deserte . But they preserue theyr camelles , beecause they are susteyned wyth lesse meate , and beare greater burthens . In this deserte are often tymes founde bytter waters : Bitter waters● but more often fresshe and sweete waters : so that in maner euerye daye for the space of thyrtye dayes , a man maye fynde fresshe water , but that in so lyttle quantitie that it doeth not suffice al the marchauntes whiche passe that waye together . That deserte is verye full of of mountaynes . And when you are come to the lowe and playn ground , the residue of the iourney is all together by the sandes : it is through out baren and saluage , so that it is not able to nourishe any beastes for lacke of pasture . In this wildernes are often tymes heard and sene , as well by daye as by night , Illusions of euyl spirites . sundrie illusions of euyl spirites . And therefore suche as trauayle throughe the same , haue nede to take great hede least they disseuer or depart farre in sundre , or leaste any linger behynde his companie , aswel for that he may hereby lose the sight of them by reason of mountaynes or hilles , lyinge beetwene , as also because there are heard voyces of deuyls , voices of deuyls . calling them that wander alone , by theyr proper names , conterfeyting the voyces of theyr companie that goeth beefore , by this meanes withdrawing them from the right waye , and bringinge them to destruccion . There is often tymes heard in the ayre , as it were a noyse of musicall instrumentes : Straunge noises in the ayre . but more often like the sounde of drumslades or timbrels . This great desert being passed ouer , they come to the cytie called Sachion , the citie of Sach●ō which is situate in the enteraunce of the greate Prouince of Tangut , where amonge certayne Mahumetistes , are found a fewe Christian men called Nestoriani of the secte of Nestorius . christians of the heresie of Nestorius . There are also manye Idoloters , hauinge theyr monasteries consecrated to dyuers Idols , Monasteries of Idoloters . to which they offre many sacrifices , and attribute greate honor to deuyls . And when a man hath a sonne borne , he forthwith commendeth him to some Idol , A strange custome in whose honour he nourisheth a ramme al that yeare , which after that his sonne be twelue monethes olde , at the nexte feaste of the same Idoll , he and his sonne offre with many ceremonies . When this oblacion is finished , thei bringe the sacrificed f●eshe to a place appoynted , where al his kinsfolkes being gathered together , they eate that fleshe with great religion , and kepe the bones reuerently in a certayn vessell : but in the funeralles of the dead , they vse these ceremonies and supersticions . Ceremonies in funerals Al the neighbors of the dead , prouyde that the dead corps be burned : which custome all the people of the East partes do obserue . Yet some of them kepe the dead bodye by them certayne dayes beefore they burne it : As some , seuen daies , some for the space of a moneth and some sixe monethes , preparing for the same a close cheste , so inuoluinge wyth cereclothe , and ponderinge with spyces the bodye therein inclosed , that no euyll sauoure maye passe foorth . Thys done , they paynte the cheste verye curiouslye , and couer it with a precious clothe , placinge theyr dyninge table harde by the same , where they dyne continuallye as long as the dead bodie is thus reserued at home . A grosse & vayne perswasion . And in the dyner tyme for the space of one hole houre , they sette wyne & meat vpon the cheste , supposing the soule of the dead bodye to be partaker of the same . The Region of Tangut , the region of Ta●gut . is verye large , and conteyneth in it manye priuate Prouinces , as the Prouince of Camul , of Cinchital , and Suchur , wyth dyuerse fayre Cyties , whiche are all Subiecte and obeye to the great Cham of Cathay . Some of the inhabitantes beleue in Mahumet : Mahumetistes some acknowledge Christe after the heresye of Nestorius . In the lande of Chinchital , is a Mountayne oute of the whyche is dygged the myne of stele and Audanici . Stele . There is also founde the Serpente called Salamandra , Salama●dra . which lyueth in the fyre wythoute anye hurte . Of the heare of this serpent , is made a certayne cloth , which being cast in the fyre when it is foule , is thereby made cleane and very white if it remaine there for the space of an houre . Suche other innumerable & marueilous thinges , Paulus Venetus . writeth Paulus ●enetus that he hath sene and founde in his nauigacions into these partes : of whom also I haue gathered thus muche , lettinge passe manye other thinges whereof he speaketh more at large .

¶ Here endeth the descripcion of the Nauigacions from Spayne to the newe India Eastward , & foloweth of the newe Ilandes and India found in the West Ocean sea , from Spayne Westward and Southweste .

¶ Of the newe India and Ilandes in the West Ocean sea , how , when , and by whom they were found .

CHristophorus Columbus , Christophorus Columbus . a Gentlemen of Italie , and borne in the citie of Cenua , when he had been longe conuersaunt in the Kyng of Spaynes courte , he applyed hys mynde to searche vnknowen partes of the worlde . And for his better furtheraunce herein , made humble peticion to the kinge , to ayde him in this his enterpryse , which doubtlesse should redownde to his great honour , and no litle commoditie to all the hole countreye of Spayne , yf by his helpe & charges , he might fynde newe regions . But the Kinge and Quene laughed him to scorne , saying : Great enterprises haue euer ben counted phantasticall . that his ymaginacion was but vayne and phantasticall . At the length , eyght yeares beynge passed ouer , and Columbus styll persistinge in his purpose and sute , the Kyng began to geue eare to his talke , and after muche reasoninge & debating of the matter , determined to trie the witte of the manne . the fyrst ●●age of Christophorus Columbus . And there vpon commaunded a foyst & two brigantines to be furnished with all kynde of ordinaunce and vitayles : which being prepared , the fyrst day of September , in the yere of Christ 1492 , Columbus departed from the coastes of Spayne , and wente forwarde in his viage longe desyred . the Ilandes called Gades . And when he had passed the Ilandes called Gades , he diuerted toward the fortunate Ilandes called Insulae Portuna●ae , which are now called Canariae , The Ilandes of ●anaria because they are full of dogges . They were in time past called Fortunate , for the excellente temperatenes of the ayre , and greate fruytefulnes . Columbus departinge from hense , sayled towarde the Weste , and at the length founde certayne Ilandes , of the whiche two were very greate , wherof the one he called Hispana , and the other Iohanna .

¶ Of the two Ilandes Iohanna and Hispana .

AS Columbus came to the Ilande whiche he called Iohanna , Iohanna he hearde a merueylous sweete noyse of innumerable byrdes , and especiallye of Nightingales whiche wandred in the thicke wooddes in the Moneth of Nouembre . He founde also mooste fayre Ryuers , swete to drinke , & many goodly hauens . And as he sayled by the costes of the Ilande Southweste warde , and could fynd no ende , he thought it had been the mayne land , & therfore determyned to drawe backe , being partly enforsed by roughnes of the sea : and thus returning some what Eastward , he came to an Iland whiche he afterwarde called Hispana , Hispana , or Hispaniola . where arriuing to the land , he & his companye was sene of the Inhabitantes of the Iland , which sodeinly fled into the thicke woodes : whom the Spanyardes pursewinge , toke a womanne whom they brought to theyr shippe , entreatinge her verye gentillye , fyllinge her with delicate meates and wyne , and clothing her in fayre apparel , & so let her depart : for thei goe naked , and are not vsed to delicates . And as this womanne returned to her companie , some beynge moued by the lyberalitie decla●ed vnto her , came by greate multitudes to the sea bankes , bringinge golde with them , which they chaunged for earthen pottes , and drinkinge glasses . gold for earth & glasse . Thus a further frendship by this meanes contracted , the Spanyardes begonne more diligently to searche theyr maner of lyuinge and maners , & so vnderstode that they had a king . the king of the Iland . And therefore entering further into the Iland , they were honorably receyued of the king . Thei vewyde their houses , and merueyled to see them so bylded without the vse of Iron , Bylding without the vse of Iron . which they are vtterly without : in the stede wherof they vse a certeyn stone , wherwith they cut and sawe theyr timbre .

¶ Of the people called Canibales or Anthropophagi , which are accustomed to eate mans fleshe .

WHeras the people of the forenamed Ilandes , fled at the sight of our menne , the cause thereof was , that they suspected them to haue been Canibals , C●nibales Anthropophagi . that cruel & fearse people which eate mans fleshe , which nacion our men had ouerpassed , leaninge them on the southsyde . But after they had knowledge of the contrary , they made greuous complaynt to our men , of the beastly and fearse maners of these Canibales , the fearsenes of the canibales . which were no lesse cruel agaynst them , than the Tyger or the Lyon agaynste tame beastes . Declaring furthermore , that when soeuer they take any of them vnder the age of .xiiij. yeares , they vse to gelde them , & francke them vntyll they be very fat , as we are wont to doe with capons or hennes : and as for suche as drawe towarde .xx. yeare olde , to kyll them forthwith and pull out theyr guttes , and eate the same freshe and newe , wyth other extreme partes of the bodye , mans fleshe poudered . poudering the residue with salte , or keping it in a certayne pickle as we do iegottes or sansages . Yet eate they not the women , but reserue them to encrease , as we doe hennes to lay egges . And if thei take any old women , they kepe them for drudges . And therfore when the Canibales make incursion , the people of these Ilandes flye with all spede . For albeit they vse arrowes , yet are they not able to resyste theyr fearsenes .

¶ Of the maners of the inhabitantes of the Iland of Hispana and of suche thynges as are found there .

THe inhabitantes of this Ilande , Roates in the stede of bread vse in the stede of bread , certayne rotes like vnto nauie rotes , hauing the tast of soft & grene chestnuttes . Gold with them is in estimacion , Gold i● estimacion . for they hange certayne peces therof at their eares : they go not out of the limities yf their own contrie , nor exercise any marchandise with strangers : Howe golde i● gathred . thei gather gold in the sandes of a certen riuer which springeth out of veri high montaines They gather it with great laboure and melte it and caste it , fyrste into masses or wedges , and afterwarde into brode plates . They haue no foure foted beastes , except connies : they haue serpentes of monstrous greatnes , Serpents wythout ve●●●● . but without hurte or venime . They haue also wylde turtle doues & duckes , muche greater than ours , & gese whyter then swannes , sauing that they haue redde heades . Thei haue also many popingiayes : Popingiayes . some grene , some yelowe , and some not muche vnlyke them of India , with redde circles about their neckes This Iland bringeth forth also Mastix , Aloe , Spices & Gū●es and suche other gummes : and especially certayne redde graynes , which are sharper then pepper .

¶ How Columbus , after he had found new Ilandes , returned agayne to Spayne , where preparinge a newe nauie , he toke his viage to the Canibales .

COlumbus , not a little ioyeful of the landes newly found , the spring tyme drawing nere , he determined ●o returne to his countrey : leauing with the king of the Iland .38 . men which should diligently searche the situacion of the Ilande , the maners of the people , & the natures of trees and fruites . But he , soyseninge vp his sayles , directed hys viage towarde Spayne , bringing with him tenne menne of the sayd Ilande , The Indian tong to th ende that they mighte learne the Spanishe tonge , which they might easely doe , because al the wordes of theyr language may well be written with our letters . Columbus , Columbus , at his returne , i● made after thys his returne , and fortunate successe in his fyrste viage , was honorablye receyued of the Kynge and Quene , and greatlye magnified with innumerable glorious tittles : willinge that he should no more thenceforth be called Columbus , Admiral of the Ocean sea . but the Admiral of the great Ocean sea : and prepared for him towarde his second viage .xvij. foistes and .xij. brigantines , The second viage of Columbus wel furnished with al kynd of artillerye and plentie of vitayles , and in them twelue hundreth men wel appoynted : Corne also to sowe , & al kindes of seedes and plantes . For , excepte pine apple trees & date trees , there growe none in these Ilandes that are knowen to vs . The Admirall toke also with him al sortes of Iron tooles to th intent to byld townes & fortresses where his men might lye in safegarde . Therfore the first day of September departing from the Ilandes called Gades , Gades . with a prosperous wind he arryued at the Iland of Canaria the fyrst daye of October : The Ilandes of Canaria . from whense directing his viage towarde the lefte hande , he sayled toward the South , & at the length came to the Ilandes of the Canibals . And because he came thether on the Sundays called the Dominical day , the Ilā● of Dom●nica● he called the Iland where he arryued , Dominica : which when he perceyued to be but saluage and rude , he sayled on further : and in twentie dayes sayling , came to another Iland replenished with al kindes of trees , Insulae Crucis . from which came a marueylous fragrant sauour : By reason whereof , some being allured by the pleasantnes of the place , went a land , where they sawe no kynde of lyuinge beastes , Lisertes sauinge lysertes of wonderful houdge greatnes . This Ilande he called Insula Crucis , whiche was also an Ilande of the Canibales , as afterward they proued in dede . For as they sayled about the Iland , they found certayne lowe cotages made of trees , Houses of trees● lyke vnto stagies . For they set trees vpright in order round about , fastening postes in them crosse ouer , where vnto the trees cleaue faste , so that by this meanes they can not fall . They frame the roofes of the●e cotages , with sharpe toppes after the maner of rownde tentes . And last of al , they inclose and couer these trees thus set in order , wyth the leaues of date trees , and certen other trees , to th intent to make them a stronger defence agaynst wynd & wether . And within the cotage , they tye the postes together with ropes of bombage cotton , and a certayne longe roote . They haue couches made , one aboue another , the flowres whereof they strawe wyth heye and cotton . And as soone as they hadde spied our men , they fled incontinente . And when oure men came into theyr houses , they found in them certayne young men bound to postes , Younge men stalle● to be made fatte . and kept to be made fatte and lykewyse many o●de womenne which these Canibales kepte to be their drudges . Fi●e co●e●pe . They founde there also earthen vesselles of all sortes , in which they sodde mens fleshe with poping●ayes , geese , & duckes fleshe , al to gether in one v●ssell . They rosted also mans fleshe vpon spyttes . reseruing the bones of the armes & legges , whiche they vse in the stede of Iron , to piece & typpe theyr arrowes . For they are vtterlye without Iron . The found also the head of a yong man , yet bleding and fastened to a poste . But certayne womenne whiche had fledde from the Canibales to oure menne , the Admiral commaunded to be gorgiously decked after the maner of our women , and with many rewardes to be sent agayne to theyr owne companye . By meanes whereof , Canibales allured with ly●beral●te● the Canibales beynge allured by the lyberalitie and gyftes of our men , hoping that they also shoulde be lykewyse rewarded , came running toward our men : but when they drew somwhat nere vnto them , they fled immediatly into the nexte wooddes . And thus our men departing from thence , returned to the Ilande of Hispana .

¶ How the Admirall passed manye Ilandes , and what thynges chaunced to hym & his companie in that viage .

AS the Admirall departed from the Iland of the Canibales , & went foreward on his viage , he passed by many Ilandes : among the whiche was one called Matinina , Matinina An Iland of women onelye . in whyche dwell only women , after the maner of them , called Amazones , as he learned of the men of the Ilandes which he brought with him into Spayne at his fyrste viage , and saued them from the fearsenes of the Canibales . He passed also innumerable other Ilandes , of which to some he gaue names , The names of sundrye Ilandes as Mons Farratus , Sancta Maria rotunda , Sancta Martinus , Sancta Maria antiqua , and Sancta Crux , Into the which oure men entering to th intente to fetche freshe water , found foure Canibales , which had taken foure yonge women : who , as soone as thei had spied our men , wringed theyr handes , seming therby to desyre ayde of oure men : at whose coming to delyuer them , the men fled into the woodes and left the women . Shortly after , our men saw a bote coming on the sea with .viij. men and as many women : with whom oure men bickeringe lost one of theyr companions , by reason that these barbariens are accustomed to infecte theyr arrowes with venime : arrowes infected with venime . yet oure men preuayled and slewe parte of them , and broughte the resydue by forse to the Admyrall . As they departed from hence , they found many other Ilandes , but such as they could not come to for the roughnes of the sea and multitude of rockes . But some of the smallest brigantines which drewe no great depth , went somewhat nearer , and noumbred aboue seuen and fortie Ilandes , and called the place Archipelagus . Archipelogus . Sayling from hence , they found another Iland called Buchema , Buchema into the whiche the Canibales make sundry incursions , by reason wherof the inhabitantes are at continual warre with them . Thus at the length , the Admiral with his hole nauie returned to the Iland of Hispana : but in an euyl tyme . For they whiche he hadde lefte there for a garrison , were all dead : as were also they whiche he toke with him from the same Ilande into Spayne to vse them for intrepretours . Of whiche seuen dyed by chaunge of the ayre . Change of ayre is daungerous . One of them was permitted of the Admirall to departe , when the nauie came neare to hys countrey . The residue stole awaye priu●lye , and swamme to lande : but the Admirall doubting whether all his men were dead or no , whiche he left in the Iland , commaunded certayne ordinaunce to be shot of , that by the noyse thereof they myghte haue warning to come forth , yf any ●aye lurkinge in corners : but none appeared , whose fa●tall dayes had fynisshed theyr lyfe . At the length , the king dissembleth with the Admyrall . the kyng of the Ilande beyng therto enforsed , declared the hole matter to the Admyrall as well as he coulde by interpretours : affyrming that there were in the Iland other Kinges besyde him : and of greater power then he , which were sore offended that the Spaniardes hadde subdued the Ilandes : & in reuenge therof , came to the town where the Spaniardes lay , which they ouercame & burnt , & slew al the men therin : and that he also at the same conflicte , taking part with our men , was sore wounded with an arrow on the arme , for the better tryall whereof he bore hys arme in a towell , because it was not yet hole of that wounde . But shortelye after they had knowledge , that the King fayned this tale : so that he hardely escaped the handes of the Admiral , who was determyned wyth some kynd of punishment to haue examined him further . But he suspecting the matter , fled into the inner partes of the Iland , declaring therby , that he was the destruction of our men : whom , certayn of our companie , pursuinge , founde manye marueylous thinges : Golde found in riuers & mountaines . and especiallye ryuers in which is founde muche golde , and a moun●ayne , whose sande is sparkeled with gold . In this place , the Admiral bylded a citie , which he compassed about with a walle . And departing from hence , he searched almost all the Iland : in the inner partes wherof he bylded a towre , & named it , S. Thomas towre , whiche he made to th intent that he might the more safely searche out the secretes of so plentifull a region , and especially the gold mines of the same : and thus leauinge a garrison there , he departed , takinge with him three foystes , wherwith he sayled to seke newe Ilandes , the Ilandes of Cuba and Iamiaca . and came first to the Ilande of Cuba , and from thence to Iamiaca , being greater then Sicilia , very fruytful and wel inhabited . Which , when he had vewed , he departed from thence , & sayled about the sea costes where he sawe innumerable other small Ilandes , A multitude of Ilandes standinge so thicke , that the ship was in maner borne a lande : and was therfore enforsed to returne home , the same way which he came .

¶ How the Spaniardes abused the submission & frendeshippe of the inhabitantes of the Ilandes .

IN this meane tyme , the Spaniardes which the admiral had left in the Iland of Hispana , had euyll entreated the inhabitauntes : so that for wante of vitayles & foode , they begonne to famyne : imputinge the fault hereof vnto the Christian men , The crueltie of the Christian men which had digged vp al the rootes wherwith thei were accustomed to make theyr bread . And whereas they yet perceaued , that the Christien men entended to continue there , thei sent an ambassadour to the admiral to desyre him to restrayne the outragiousnes and crueltie of his men , at whose handes they sustained such iniuries and violence , as they scarcely loked for at the handes of mortal enemies . Declaringe further , that vnder the pretence of seking for gold they committed innumerable wronges and mischieuous actes , Crueltie of coue●ousnes . spoyl●ng in maner all the hole region : and that for the auoyding of such enormities and oppressions , they hadde rather paye tribute , then to be thus dayly vexed with incursions , & neuer to be at quiete . Upon this complaynte it was agreed , that they shoulde paye yearely tribute to the Christian king & that they should applie them selues to gather and encrease theyr rotes , Bread of rotes . whiche were to them in the stede of flowre and wheat : and so consumed that with great labour they coulde scarcely fynde any in the wooddes . They payde therefore for their tribute , The tribute of the barbarians euery thre monethes , certayn pound weyghtes of gold : but suche as had no gold , payde spyces , & gossampine cotton . In the meane time the Spaniardes , who should haue been occupied in digging for golde , Disobedience ●oloweth Idlenes gaue them selues to play , wantonnes & idlenes , contemning , & falling into hatered with their gouernour , by which theyr licenciousnes , the people of the Iland beyng prouoked , became more disobedient & wyld , degeneratinge from al kind of honestie & faithfulnes : yea the spaniardes also became so negligent in seking for gold , that sometyme the charges exceaded the gaynes . Neuerthelesse in the yere of Christ , 1501. they gathered within the space of two monethes twelue thousand poundes weyght of golde . Note . But the Admirall appoyntinge his brother Bartholomeus Columbus , Bartholomeus Columbus , to be gouernour of the Iland , he in the yeare .1495 . determined to returne to Spayne , to certifye the kyng of al these matters . In which viage , he manfullye defended him self in battayl against the rebelles of certayne other Ilandes which had conspyred agaynst the Spanyardes .

¶ How the Portugals sought new Ilandes in the East partes , and how they came to Calicut .

IN this meane tyme that the Spanyardes soughte newe and vnknowen landes in the West partes , the Portugales attempted to doe the same in the Easte partes . And least one of them should be a lette or hinderaunce to the other , they deuyded the world betwene them by the aucthoritie of the Bishop of Rome , The bisshop of rome deuideth the world . Alexander the .vi. of that name . And that on this condicion , , hesperides , or Caput u●ride . that from the Ilandes called Hesperides ( whiche are now called Caput ueride ) the one should sayle Westwarde , and the other towarde the South pole , How the Spanyardes & the Portugales deuided the world betwene them . thus deuyding the world betwene them in two equal partes . So that whatsoeuer vnknowen landes shoulde be discouered in the Easte partes , the same to be dewe to the Portugales : And all suche as shoulde be founde in the Weste partes , to appertayne to the Spanyardes . Whereby it came to passe , that the Spaniardes , euer by the South , sayled into the Weste , where they founde a large mayne land , with Ilandes great & litle innumerable , hauing in them great plentie of golde and pearles , Golde & Pearles and other great riches . But the Portugales , by the Southe , and costes of the Ilandes called Hesperides , and Equinoctial lyne , The Equinoctial ly●e . & Tropicus Capricorni , came y● into East , by th● goul●e called Sinus Persicus , euen vnto the costes of India , with in the riuer of Ganges , The ryuer of Ganges wheras is now the great market towne , & kingedom of Calicut . Calicut . And from thence to the Iland of Taprobana , Taprobana ( now called Sumetra , Zamara or Samotra Samotra . ) & so forth to Aurea Chersonesus , whereas is nowe the great cytie of Malaccha , the great cy●ie of Malaccha beyng one of the most famous market townes of al the East partes . From Malaccha , they entered into a great goulfe , by which they came to the region of ●inar●m . the region of ●inarū Not farre from Malaccha , are the Ilandes called Molucca , the Ilandes of Molucca in which al kyndes of spyces growe and are brought to the cytie of Malaccha . But the Spany●rdes hauing knowledge what greate commoditie the Portugales had receyued by the Ilandes of Molucca , attemted to proue yf they also might find the same Ilandes in sayling so farre Westward , Sayling into the East by the west that they mighte at the length by West and southwest come into the East , as by good reason they presupposed the roundnesse of the earth would permitte , the ro●̄d●es of ●he erth . if they were not otherwyse lette by the fyrme or mayne land lyinge in the waye and stoppinge theyr passage , The firme land whereof as yet was no certeyntie knowen . And this dydde they to th intent that by this meanes they myghte more easelye and wyth lesse charge bringe spyces from thence into Spayne . Spice● the vi●ge from the West in to the Easte . Therefore , the maner of this viage was , that they shoulde sayle from the Weste , vnder the lowest hemispherye or halfe compasse of the earth , & so to come into the East . A thinge surelye that myghte seeme verye harde to attempte , beecause it was vncertaine whether that , most prudente and beneficiall nature , ( who worketh al thinges with most high prouidence ) had not so deuided and seperated the East from the West , partely by sea , and partely by land , that there might by this way haue been no passage into the East . For it was not yet knowen , whether that great region of America , America . ( whiche they call the fyrme or mayne lande ) dyd seperate the Weste sea from the East : The firme land . But it was founde that that fyrme lande extended from the West to the South : And that also towarde the North partes were found two other regions , whereof the one is called Regio Baccalearum , Regio Baccalearum . & the other Terra Florida : Terra Florida . which , if they were adherent to the sayde fyrme land , there could be no passage by the Weste seas into the East India , forasmuch as ther was not yet founde any strayghte of the sea , wherby any enteraunce mighte be open into the East . In this meane while , the king o● spay● sendeth foorth shippes . the kyng of Spayne beynge elected Emperoure , prepared a na●uie of fyue shippes , ouer the whiche he appointed one Magellanus to be captayne , The viage of Magellanus , by the west into the east . commaundinge him that he should sayle towarde the coastes of the sayd fyrme land , dyrectinge his viage by the south partes thereof , vntyl he had eyther found the ende of the same , or elles some streyghte wherby he mighte passe to those odoriferous Ilandes of Molucca , The Ilandes of Molucca . so famously spoken of for the great abundaunce of swete sauours and spices founde therein . The shippes therefore , beyng well furnisshed with all thinges necessarie , Magellanus departinge from Ciuile in Spayne , the tenth day of August , in the yeare of Christ .1519 . came fyrst to the Ilandes of Canaria , The Il●des of c●naria . and from thence to the Ilandes called Hesperides : from whiche dyrectinge hys course betwene the West and the East toward the sayd fyrme land , in few dayes with prosperous sayling , he discouered a corner or poynt of the sayd mayne land , called Promontorium S , Muriae , Promontorium s. Marie . where the people dwell , called Canibales , Canibales whiche are accustomed to eate mans fleshe . From hence he sayled on southwarde by the long tracte of this firme land , which reacheth so farre into the south and extendeth so many degrees beyond the circle called Tropicus Capricorni , that the south pole ( called pole Antartike ) is there eleuated fortie & syxe degrees . The eleuacion of the south pole , 46 degrees And thus beyng brought into the East , they saw certayn Indians gatheringe shel fyshes by the sea bankes : The Region of giauntes . beyng men of very high stature , clothed with beastes skinnes . To whom , wheras certayne of the Spaniardes went a land , & shewed them belles & paynted papers , they begon to daunce & leape aboute the Spaniardes , with a rude and murmuring songe . At the length there came three other , as thoughe they were ambassadours , whiche by certayn signes desyred the Spaniardes to go with them further into the land , making a countenaunce as though thei wold intertayn them wel , where vpon , the captayne Magellanus sent with them vii . men well instructed , to th intent to ●earche the region & maners of the people . And thus they went with them into the desertes , Cotages couered with beastes ski●nes . wher they came to a low cotage couered with wylde beastes skinnes , hauing in it two mansions , in one of that which were women & children & in the other only men . They interteined their gestes after a barbaros & beastly maner , which neuertheles semed to them princelike : Onager . for they killed a beast , not much vnlike a wylde asse , whose flesshe ( but halfe rosted ) they set before our men , without any other kind of meate or drinke . Here were our men of necessitie constrained to lye al night vnder these skinnes , by reason of the great abundaunce of snowe and wynde . Abundaunce of s●owe & wynde . And when it was day , our men were very earnest with them , & would in maner haue enforsed them to goe with them to the shippe : which thing thei perceauing , couered them selu●s from the head to the foote with certayn horrible beastes skinnes , and paynted theyr faces with sundrye colours . Thus taking theyr bowes and arrowes , & bringing with them other of theyr companie , of much greater stature and terrible aspect , than they were , they shewed them selues to oure men in araye , as thoughe they were ready to fight . But the Spanyardes , whiche thoughte that the matter would haue comen to hand strokes , commaunded a piece of ordinaunce to be shotte of . The which although it dyd no hurte , yet these hardy giauntes , The Giauntes ar putte to ●●yght . which a litle before semed to be as bold as though they durst haue made warre against Iupiter , were by the noyse there of put in suche feare , that they foorthwith beganne to entreate of peace . Our men entended to haue brought some of these Gyauntes wyth them into Spayne for the straungenes of the thinge : but they all escaped oute of theyr handes . Magell●nus therfore vnderstandinge that it were vnprofytable to tarie there any longer , and that also the sea was very rough , & the wether stormie and boysteous , and that furthermore the firme land extended further toward the south , it so muche , that the further they sayled that waye , they should fynde in so much the colder , he deferred hys proceding vnto the moneth of may , extreme winter in maye . at whiche time , the sharpenes of winter , exceadeth with th●m , when as with vs , sommer is begon . He found there greate plentie of wood . The sea also ministred vnto them great abundaunce of shelfishe , besyde other fyshes of sundrie kynd●s . He found lykewyse many springes of freshe & holesome waters : and vsed huntinge and taking of foules . Only bread & wyne , was lackinge in the shippe . The south pole was there eleuated fortie degrees . ●he south pole eleuate .xl. degrees

¶ How Magella●us by a strayght or narrow arme of the sea , sayled by the west into the East to dyuers Ilandes : where also he was slayne .

THe wynter now being past , the xxiiij . day of Auguste , Magellanus departed from the place aforesayde , & styll folowed the tracte of the firme land toward the south , vntyl at the length , the .xxvi. day of Nouember , he found in that firme land , The ●●rayght of Magel●anus . certayn open places lyke vnto strayghtes or narrow seas . Into the which entring with his nauie , he commaunded that certayn shippes should searche the goulfes on euerye syde , yf anye way or passage might be found into the East . At the length , they found a certayn depe straight , by the which they were perswaded that there was enteraunce into some other mayne sea , in so much that Magellanus attempted to sear●he the same . This straight was found to be somtime of the bredth of thre Italian myles , sometyme of two , & sometime of tenne , & reached somwhat toward the West . The altitude or eleuacion of the south pole in this place , The altitude of the south pole . li● . degrees . was founde to be .lii. degrees . They coulde see no people stering in the costes of this entraunce Therfore Magellanus seing thys lande to be rough & saluage , & vnpleasaunt to abide in , by reason of extreme cold , he thought it not worthye the trauayle , to spend any time in serching the same . Therfore sailing forward in his viage thus attempted by the said strayghte , ( which is now called the strayght of Magellanus ) he was therby brought into another mayn sea , ●he main sea beyond the strayghtes . verye great and large . The length of this strayght or narrow sea , is estemed to be a hundreth spanishe miles . The land which he had on his right hande , he doubted not to be mayne lande : The fyrme land and that on the left hand , he supposed to bee Ilandes . Magellanus sawe lykewyse the fyrme land to be extended directly toward the North : wherefore letting passe that greate lande , he sayled by that greate and large sea betwene the West and the North : & that for this intente , that at the length he might by the West come into the East , and agayne vnder the burning lyne called Zona Torrida , The burning line Torrida Zona ● beynge well assured that the Ilandes of Molucca ( which he soughte ) were in the Easte , The Ilandes of Molucca and not farre from the Equinoctial lyne . When they hadde thus sayled for●ie dayes , and came now agayne vnder the line or circle called Tropicus Capricorni , Tropicus capricorni . they founde two lyttle Ilandes inhabyted , but very barren , and therfore called them infortunate Ilandes . Departinge from thence , they sailed on for a great space , and found a certayne Ilande which the inhabitantes called Inuagana , the Iland of Inuagana . where the eleuacion of the Northe pole , ( called pole Artike ) was .xij. degrees : And the length from the Ilandes called Gades , The Ilandes of Gades called Cales Males . by the Weste , was iudged to bee c.lviii . degrees . Thus proceding , they saw dyuers other Ilandes , and that so manye , that they supposed they had been brought into a great sea lyke vnto that called Archipelagus , Archipelagus . where with sygnes & poyntinges ( as the dumme are wont to speake with the dumme ) they asked of these Indians , the names of the Ilandes , wherby they learned that thei were in Acatan , Acatan . and not farre from the Ilande called Selani , Selani . wel inhabited and replenished with abundaunce of al thinges necessarie for the commodities of this life . Sayling therfore toward the Ilande of Selani , thei were with a contrary wind drieuen on the Iland of Massana , ●assana . from whense they came to the greate Iland a● Subuth , S●buth where the Spanyardes were wel enterteyned of the Kinge of the Iland , who brought them into a certayn cotage , and set before them such delicates as he hadde . Theyr bread , Bread of the trunke of trees . was of the trunke of a certen tree , cut in pieces , & fried with oyle . Theyr drinke was of the humoure ●r ioyse which droppeth out of the braunches of the date trees , Drinke of the dropping of date ●●●es . when they are cutte . Theyr meate was suche as they toke by foulinge , with such fruites as the contrei brought forth . This Ilande was very riche of gold and ginger . Golde & Ginger In these partes Magellanus made warre agaynste the inhabitauntes of certayne other Ilandes : In which conflicte , the spaniardes hauing the ouerthrow Magellanus was slayne with seuen of hys men . Magellanus is slayne . When the Spaniardes hadde thus lost theyr captayne , they elected a new gouernoure of theyr nauie , appointing one Iohannes Serranus to that office . the new captai●e Serranus is betraied of his bondman Magallanus had also a bond man borne in the Ilandes of Molucca , whom he had bought in the citie of Malaccha . This bondman vnderstode the Spanishe tonge : and where as the captayn Serranus could do nothing without him , who now lay sicke by reason of the woundes which he had receaued in the said conflicte , so that he was fayne to speake sharpely to him and threaten to beate him or he could geat him out of the shyppe , he here vpon conceaued so great hatered and indignacion agaynste the Spanyardes , the king of Subuth conspyreth agaynst the Spanyardes that he wente immediatlye to the Kinge of Subuth , declaring the couetousnes of the Spaniardes to be vnsaciable , & that thei wold shortely vse crueltie against him also , and bring him into s●biection and seruitude . The barbarous king beleued his wordes , & therwith pryuelye with the ayde of the other Ilandes , conspired against the Spanyardes , and toke or slew as many of them as came to a banket whereunto they were bidden vnder pretence of frendship . The captayne Serranus is taken prisoner . Among the which also , Serranus the Captaine was taken priesoner . But the resydue of the Spanyardes which remayned in the shippes , beyng taught & warned by the euyll chaunce which befell to theyr companions , and fearing greater deceytes and conspiracies , lyft vp their ankers and gaue wind to their sayles . In the meane tyme was Serranus brought bound to the sea bankes , desiring his companions to delyuer or redeme him from that horrible cap●iuitie of hys enemies . But the Spaniardes , albeit they toke it for a dishonour , to leaue or forsake theyr Captayne , yet fearing fraude or further dissimulacion , they sayled asyde from that Iland , and came to the Ilandes of Gibeth & Porne . The Il●des of Gibeth & Porne . In this mayne sea , were two great Ilandes , wherof the one was called Siloli , Siloli . & the other Porne the lesse , where our men were wel entreated . The inhabitantes of Porne honoure the sunne and the mone : they keepe also a certayn ciuile iustice & frēd●y loue one to another . And aboue all thinges , desyre peace and ydlenes . Peace & Idlene●● Therfore their chiefe studie is , in no case to moleste their neygboures or straungers , or to be iniurious to anye man . They haue lyttle houses , made of earth and wood , and couered partely with rubbishe , & partly with the bowes of date trees . They take as manye wyues as they are able to kepe . Theyr comon meat , is such as they take by foulinge or fisshinge . They make bread of ryce : Bread of Rice . ● drinke , of the liquour whiche droppeth from the braunches of date trees , cutte . Some vse marchaundyse in the Ilandes nere about them : some applie them selues to huntinge & fysshing , and some to husbandry . Theyr apparell , is of Gossampine cotton . They haue greate abundaunce of camphyre , Camphire ginger and cinomome .

¶ How the Spaniardes came to the Ilandes of Molucca , and of the people with great hanging eares .

THe Spaniardes takinge theyr leaue of the king of Porne , departed : dyrecting theyr viage towarde the Ilandes of Molucca , whiche were shewed vnto them by the same King . They came fyrst to the costes of the Ilande called Solo , where are found Pearles as bygge as turtle doues egges : Pearles as bigge as turtle doues egges● but they are gathered in the depth of the sea . The inhabitantes of this Ilande , at suche tyme as the Spanyardes came thether , toke a shelfysshe of suche houdge bignes , A maruelous bi● shelfish● that the fleshe therof wayed .xlvij. pound weyght . Wherby it is apparaunt the great pearles should be found there forasmuch as pearles are the byrth of certayn shelfishes . From hence thei came to the Iland of Gilona , Gilona . in which are certayn people hauing hanging eares of such length , Men with hanging eares . that they hang downe to theyr shoulders . Wherat as the Spaniardes marueyled , the men of the Iland tolde them , that not farre from thence was another Iland in which were a kind of men , not onely with hanging eares , but also with eares of suche breadth and length , that with one of them they myghte couer theyr hole head . But the Spanyardes , The sp●nyardes arriue a● the Ilandes of Molucca . who soughte for golde and spyces , and not for monsters , sayled dyrectly to the Ilandes of Molucca , where they arryued , the eyghte moneth after the death of their gouernour Magellanus . These Ilandes are fyue in noumbre , the names wherof are these . Tharant , Muthil , Thedori , Mare , and Mathien . Some of them are sytuate on thys syde the Equinoctiall lyne , some vnder it , & some beyonde it . Some beare cloues , some Nutmegges , and some Cinomome . They are not farre distaunt the one from the other . They are but little and narowe . The inhabitantes are very poore , because ther is no encrease of anye other thinge sauing onely of spyces . They lyue with bread and fyshe , and sometime popingiayes . They lurke in lowe cotages : And in fyne , all thinges with them are despicable and vile , beside peace , idlenes , and spices . In Thedori is great plentie of cloues , as also in Tarante and Mathien . The trees which bringe forth cloues , The tree that bea●eth clo●es . growe not , but on rockes and broken cliffes , where sometime they grow so thicke , that they appeare lyke a lyttle wood or groue . This tree , bothe in leaues , biggenes , and heyght , is much lyke vnto the baye tree . It beareth the fruite in the toppes of euery braunche . The budde springeth out fyrst , and then in it the floure , not much vnlike the floure of an orange tree . The cloue is fyrst redde : but after beyng scorched by the heate of the sonne , it is made blacke . The inhabitauntes deuide the groues of these trees betwene them , as we doe the vynes . The Iland of Muthil , bringeth forth cinomome . This tree , the cinomome tree . is ful of small braunches & baren , best lyking in a drye soyle , and is very like vnto the tree , that beareth the pomgranate . The barke of this tree , by reason of the great heate of the sonne , rysing from the braunches , or bodie of the same , is gathered and dried at the sonne , and is so made perfecte cinonomome . Neare vnto this , is another Iland , called Beda , greater and larger , then anye of the Ilandes of Molucca . In this Iland groweth the Nutmegge , The nutmeg tree whose tree is bigge & highe , and much lyke vnto the walnutte tree , for as is the walnutte , so is this fruite defended with a double couering , as fyrste with a grene huske , vnder the whiche is a thinne skinne or rimme like a nette , encompassing the shell of the nutte : which skinne we call the flowre of the nutmegge , but of the Spanyardes , it is called mace , Mace . an excellent and hole some spyce . The other couering , is the shell of the nutte , within the which is the fruite it selfe , which we call the nutmegge . The nutmegge Ginger Ginger groweth here and there in all the Ilandes of this Archipelagus , or mayne sea . Of the whiche , some is sowen , and some groweth of it selfe . But that which is sowen , is the better . The herbe of this , is lyke vnto that which beareth saffrane , and hath hys roote , ( which is Ginger , ) much lyke vnto the same . In this meane time came two other shyppes out of Spayne : whereof the one sayled directely to the poynte of Aphrica , Promon ● torium bon● sp●● called Promontorium bone sp●i : And the other by the greate mayne South sea , to the coastes of that continent or fyrme land wherof we haue spoken here beefore . It shall suffyse that we haue hetherto declared of the nauigacions whiche the Spanyardes attempted by the Weste to sayle into the Easte , by the straygh●e of Magellanus , where the passage by Sea is open into the Easte , by the continente or fyrme lande of the newe worlde , called America . Nowe therefore lette vs retourne to the other Nauigacions of Columbus , Columbus the adm●ral , fyrst finder of the new Ilande● otherwyse called the Admyrall , who longe beefore was the fyrst fynder of the newe Ilandes , and of the sayde mayne or fyrme land , and yet founde not that strayght or narow sea , by the which Magellanus sayled from the West into the East .

¶ The thyrde nauigacion of Christophorus Columbus .

IN the yeare of Christ .1498 . Columbus the Admiral departed from Spayne with eyght foistes , and arryued fyrst at the Ilandes of Medera , the Ilandes of Medera where he deuyded hys nauie into two partes . For .v. of these shippes he directed to the Iland of Hispana : Hispana , or Hispaniola . & with the residue , he sailed towarde the south , entendinge to passe ouer the AEquinoctial line , and from thense to turne towarde the West , to searche suche landes as were hetherto vnknowen to the Christian men . Coming therfore to Caput ueride , he sailed to the burning line , Greate heate vnder the burning lyne . called Torrida zona where he found so great heate , that he was in daunger of death : but returninge his shyppes towarde the West , he found a more holsome ayre and ( as God woulde ) came at the length to a lande well inhabyted , where there came agaynst him and his , a bote with .xxiiij. young men , armed with bowes , arrowes , and shieldes , couering only theyr priuie membres with a clothe of Gossampine cotton , hauing also very longe heare . The admirall , ( as well as he could by signes ) allured them to communicacion . Signes & pointing But they trusted not our men , fearing some deceate . The Admirall perceauing that he could nought preuayle , by signes and tokens , he determined with Musical instrumentes to appeale their wildnesse . As the minstrelles therefore blewe theyr shaulmes , the barbarous people drew neare , suspecting that noyse to bee a token of warre , whereupon they made ready theyr bowes and arrowes . But the Spaniardes drawinge nearer vnto than , caste certayne apparell into theyr bote , willing by this token of frendshippe to concile them , although all were in vayne . For they fled all awaye . Wherefore the Admyrall departing from thence , came to a region called Parias , ●he faire ●egion of Parias wel inhabited & ful of ciuile people , declaring muche humanitie toward straungers . They shewed our men Pearles and Gold , Golde & Pearles & such other riches , desyring them to come a land , where they gentelly entreated them . When our men asked them where they had suche plentie of golde : they ( with home poynting was in the ●tede of speach ) declared by signes and tokens , that thei had it in certayne mountaines , and that thei could not without great daunger resort thether , by reason of certaine fearse beastes in those partes , ●earse ●ea●t●s , and also because of the cruell people called Canibales , Canibales whiche inhabite those mountaynes . But the Admiral , because his wheate fayled , was enforsed to departe thence . Dyrectinge therfore his viage toward the North easte , he came to the Iland of Hispana , where he found all thinges cofounded and out of ordre . For the Spanyardes which were lefte in the Ilandes , refused to obeye the Admirall and his brother , the Spanyardes refuse to obey the admiral mouinge greuous complayntes agaynste them before the King of Spaine , and at the length sente them thether bound .

¶ Howe Petrus Alonsus soughte newe Ilandes .

AFter that the Admyrall hadde incurred the indignacion of the Kynge , manye of hys companions , suche as hadde been broughte vppe with him , and were experte Sea menne , decreede to searche other partes of the worlde yet vnvnknowen . Among which number was Petrus Alonsus , who with a shippe wel furnished , sayled to Parias , Parias . & from thence to Curtana , Curtana . where he begon to exercyse marchaundise with the inhabitantes , receauinge Pearles for belles and nedles . Pearles forbelles & nedles Entring also into the land , he was honourably entertayned . In their woodes , he saw innumerable Peacockes , Peacockes . nothinge vnlyke vnto oures , sauing that the males differ litle from the females . In this region are great plentie of Phesantes . Phesants Alonsus departinge from hense , sailed to the region of Canchietes , The Region of Canchietes beyng sixe dayes sayling from Curtana , toward the West . In this region is great abundaunce of golde , Popingiayes , Gossampine cotton , & moste temperate ayre . From hence he sayled into another fruiteful region , but inhabited with wilde menne , which could by no gentilnes be allured to frendshippe . Departinge therefore from thence , he came to the region of Ciniana , The region of Ciniana . whereas pearles are found in great plentie : but before he came there , he chaunced to come amonge the Canibales : agaynst whom , dischargeing a piece of ordinaunce , he droue them easely to flight . But Alonsus thus laden with pearles , Pearle● returned home into Spayne .

¶ Howe Pinzonus , companion to the Admirall , sought newe Ilandes .

Vincentius , otherwise called Pinzonus in the yeare of Christe .1499 . prepared foure brigantines , & sailed fyrst to the Ilandes of Canaria , & from thence to Caput ueride . From whence directing his viage toward the south farre beyonde the Equinoctial lyne , he found men in a certayne Iland , but such as he could by no meanes concyle vnto him . Therefore leauinge them , he came to another lande , in whiche were innumerable naked Naked people . people , dissimuling that thei desired to ioyne frendship with the Spaniardes . And whereas one of our men caste a bell amonge them oute of the ●hippe , Gold for belles . they againe cast to the Spanyardes a masse or piece of golde : which , one of oure companye somewhat to bolde , attemptinge to take vp , they sodeynlye toke him and caried him awaye with merueylous swiftenes : but our men leauing their shippes , made hast to help theyr fellowe , in so muche that the matter came to handstrokes . This conflict was so sharpe , A conflict betwene the wild men and the Spaniardes . that our men hadde muche a doe to escape with theyr lyues , by reason of the fearsenes of the barbarians . Departing therefore from thence , they sayled toward the Northeaste , and came to the region of Payra , The Region of Payra . & to the Ilandes neare aboute the same in the whiche are woodes of sanders wherewith the marchauntes lade theyr shippes , woodes of Sa●ders . and carie it into other conntreys . In this Region also growe the trees , whiche beare Cassia fistula of the beste kynd . The tree that beareth Cassia fistulae . There is also founde a foure foted beast of monstrous shape , A monsterous beast● whose former parte is lyke vnto a wolfe , sauing that the feete are lyke vnto the fete of a man , with eares like an owle : Hauinge also beneath his comon belye , an other belye lyke vnto a purse or bagge , in which he kepeth his yonge whelpes so longe , vntyll they be able safely to wander abrode alone , and to geat theyr meate with oute the he●pe of theyr parentes .

The whelpes while they are verye yong , neuer come out of this bagge but when they sucke . This portentous beast with her three whelpes , was broughte to Ciu●le in Spaine , and from thence to Granata .

¶ Of the foure nauigacions of Americus uesputius to the newe Ilandes .

AMericus uesputius , beyng sent with Christophorus Columbus , in the yeare of Christ . M. cccc.xcij . at the commaundement of Ferdinando King of Castile , Ferdinando kinge of castile to seke vnknowen landes , and wel instructed in sayling on the sea , after a fewe yeares , set forward fowre viages of hys owne proper charges . That is to witte , two vnder the sayd King Ferdinando , and two other vnder Emanuel , king of Portugale , of the which he himselfe wryteth after this maner .

¶ The fyrste viage of Americus uesputius .

IN the yere of christ , M. cccc.xcvij the .xx. daye of Maye , we came with foure shippes , to the fortunate Ilandes , called Insulae fortunatae , Insulae fortunate where the North pole hath his eleuacion . xxvij . degrees , & .xl. minutes . And from thence within the space of .xxvij dayes , we came to a land more Westwarde then the fortunate Ilandes , where the North pole was eleuate xvi . degrees : where also we founde a nacion of naked people , Naked menne . of innumerable multitude , whiche as sone as they sawe vs , fled to the next mountayne . From hence within two dayes sayling , we came to a safe port wher we founde manye men , which with much adoe , we could scarcely allure to communicacion , although we profered them belles , lokinge glasses , cristallyne cuppes , and suche other iewelles . But at the length perceauing our good wyll and liberalitie towarde them , Wylde men allured with gentlenes they came to vs by heapes , and ioyned frendshyp with vs without all feare . They goe all as naked as they came forth of their mothers wombe . They suffre no heare on their bodie sauing only on theyr head , in so much that they pul of the heares of their browes . They are all so perfectelye ex●rcysed in swimminge , People , expert i● swimminge . that they can continue therein , for the space of two leages without any thinge to beare them vp and especiallye the women . Theyr weapons are bowes and arrowes . They arme theyr arrowes with the teeth of beastes and fyshes , bycause they lack Iron & other metals . They kepe warre against their borderers whiche are of straunge language . They fyght not for the enlargeing of theyr dominion , forasmuche as they haue no Magistrates : nor yet for th increase of riches , because thei are contente with their owne commodities : but onely to reuenge the death of theyr predicessours . At theyr meate , they vse rude and barberous fashions , lying on the ground without any table clothe , Cabens hanging betwene tree● . or couerlet . They slepe in certayne greate nettes made of Gossampine cotton and hanged a lofte in the ayre beetwene trees . Theyr bodies are verye smothe and clene by reason of theyr often washinge . They are in other thinges fylthy and withoute shame . Wom●● in comm● . Thei vse no lawful coniunccion of mariage , but euery one hath as many women as him listeth , and leaueth them agayn at his pleasure The women are very fruiteful , and refuse no laboure al the whyle they are with childe . Wom●● very stronge and fruitful● They trauayle in maner withoute payne , so that the nexte day they are cherefull and able to walke . Neyther haue they theyr bellies wrimpeled , or loose , & hanginge pappes , by reason of bearinge manye chyldren . Theyr houses and cabbens , are all in common . Ho●ses , made of trees . Theyr houses are fasshyoned lyke vnto belles : and made of greate trees fastened together , couered wyth the leaues of date trees , and made very stronge against wind and tempestes . Houses of maruelous bignes . They are also in some places so great , that in one of them sixe hundreth persons may lodge . Thei vse euery seuenth or eyght yeare , to remoue & chaunge theyr dwelling places , because that by theyr longe continuaunce in one place , the ayre shoulde bee infected . They vse no kynd of marchaundise or bying and selling , beyng content onely with that which nature hath lefte them . Ryches & superfluities contemned As for Golde , Pearles , precious stones , iewelles , and suche other thinges , which we in Europa esteme as pleasures and delicates , they sette noughte by . They haue no kynde of corne . Bread of a certain roote . Theyr common fedinge , is a certayne roote whiche they drye and beate & make floure or meale therof . They eate no kynd of fleshe except mans fleshe : Mans ●lesh eaten for they eate all suche as they ky●l in theyr warres , or oherwise take by chaunce When he had thus vewed the countreye , and consydered the maners of the people , we determyned to sayle further , downe by the landes syde , and came after a few daies , to a certayne hauen , where we sawe about twentie greate houses , raysed vppe muche after the fasshion of belles● There came vnto vs a great multitude of men vnder pretense of frendshyp . Some swimminge , and some in botes . Who , as sone as thei drew neare vnto vs , A conflict sodeynly bent theyr bowes against vs , where we defended oure selues manfully . In this bickeringe , we slewe of them about twentie , beesyde manye that were wounded : But of our men , were onlye fyue hurte , whiche were all perfectelye healed . Thus departinge from this hauen , we sayled on● and came to another nacion , in conuersa●ion and tongue vtterlye differing from the fyrst . For comming oute of our shippe , A gentle nacion we were very frendly entreated of them , where we continued for the space of nyne dayes . Parias This region is very fayre , and fruitefull , hauinge manye pleasaunt woodes , which continue grene all the yeare longe . They haue fruites innumerable , vtterlye vnlyke vnto oures . Fruites vnlike vnto oures . The Region is situate dyrectelye vnder the lyne , called Tropicus Cancri . The inhabitantes them selues , call it Parias . Saylinge farre beyond this Region , and ouerpassinge manye countreyes and nacions , fyndinge Gold euery where , Gold euery where● ( but in no great quantitie ) we came to another nacion full of gentlenesse and humanitie , where we rested .xxxvij. dayes . These people made greuous complaynte vnto vs , that there was , Canibales not farre from them , a certayne fearse and cruell nacion , whiche vexed them sore , and made incursion into theyr ●ountreye at a certayne tyme of the yeare , kyllinge them and violentlye carying them awaye , to th intent to eate th●m , in so muche that they were not able to defend them selues agaynste theyr fearsenesse . Whiche thinge when they hadde so lamentablye declared vnto vs , and we hadde made them promyse that we woulde reuenge theyr so manye iniuries , they ioyned vnto oure company seuen of theyr men . Thus we wente forward : and after seuen dayes , came to an Ilande , called ●ty ● where these fearse people dwelte . An expedicion agaynst the Canibal●● Who , as sone as they hadde espyed vs , came armed agaynste vs . We ioyned with them in battaile , which contynued for the space of twoo houres . At the length we droue them to flyghte , and slewe and wounded a greate numbre of them , and toke .xxv captiues . But of our men was onely one slayne , and .xxi. wounded , & shortely after restored to health . We gaue to those seuen men which went with vs , thre menne of oure prisonners and foure women , whom with greate reioysinge they caried with them into theyr countreye : and we returninge home toward Spaine , with many captiues came fyrste to a porte of Spayne called Calicium , where we solde oure priesoners , and were ioyefullye receaued : In the yeare of Christ . M. cccc . xcix . the .xv. daye of Octobre .

¶ The seconde viage of Vesputius .

IN the moneth of May folowing Vesputius attempted another viage and came by the Ilandes of Canaria , euen vnto the burninge lyne , called Torrida zona , and founde a lande beeyonde the Equinoctial line , the Equinoctial line . toward the South , where the South pole is eleuate fyue degrees . And wheras he coulde fynde no apte enteraunce into the land , and sayled vp & down alonge by the same , he espyed a bote in which was aboute twentie men : who , as sone as they saw the Spanyardes , lepte into the Sea and escaped all , excepte two , which they toke . In theyr bote which they forsoke , were founde foure young men which they had by force taken oute of another countrey , hauinge theyr priuie memb●rs newelye cutte of . These , Vesputius toke into his shippes and learned by theyr signes and tokens , that they hadde been taken of the Canibales , Canibales and should shortly haue been eaten . But departinge from these costes , & saylinge on forward , they came to a commodious hauen , where they founde muche people , with whom they ioyned frendshyp , and fell to chaungeinge of ware , receauinge for one bell , fyue hundreth pearles for one bell . fyue hundreth Pearles . In this lande they drinke a certayne kynde of wyne , made of the iuyse of fruites and sedes , being lyke whyte and redde sydar . Wine of the iuyse o● fr●tes Departinge from hence , and saylinge yet further , they founde a certayne Ilande in which was a beastly kind of people , and simple , yet very gentle . In this Ilande is no freshe water : An Iland wythout fresh water . but they gather the dew which in the night season falleth vpon certayne leaues muche lyke vnto the eare of an Asse . They lyue for the moste parte , by sea fishe . They haue no cotages of houses : but haue certayne broade leaues , Broade ●●aues . wherewith they defende them selues from the heate of the Sunne , but not from showres : but it is verye lykely , that it rayneth but lyttle in that Iland . Vesputi●s wyth his companye departinge from hence , sayled vnto another Ilande : into the whiche when he hadde entered , he founde certayne cotages , and in them ●wo old women , and three young wenches , whiche were of so greate stature , that they marueyled thereat . The land of Giaunte● . And whereas oure menne stryued with them to bringe them to the shyppe , to th intente to haue caryed them into Spayne , they espyed cominge toward them syxe and thyrtie men , yet of muche greater stature then were the women , bearing with them bowes , arrowes , and great stakes lyke vnto clubbes : at the syghte of whome , oure menne beinge afrayd , made haste to theyr shyppes . But these Gyauntes folowinge them euen to the Sea syde , bended theyr arrowes towardes the Spanyardes , vntyll they discharged two pieces of ordinaunces , wyth the horryble sounde whereof , they were immediatly drieuen to flight . Oure menne therefore departinge from thence , called that Ilande , the Ilande of Giauntes . And came to another nacion , which frendlye entreated them , and offered them many Pearles : Pearles in so muche that they boughte .xix. markes weyghte of pearles , A hundreth & xxx . pearles in one shelfishe . for a smal price . They gaue vs also certayne shelfysshes , of the whiche some conteyned in them a hundreth and thyrtie Pearles , and some fewer . Departinge from thence they came to the Ilande of An●iglia , Antiglia . which Columbus had discouered a few yeares before . Leauinge this , they sayled directely to Calicium , Calicium a porte of Spayne , where they were honourablye r●ceaued .

¶ The thyrde viage of Vesputius .

VEsputius beyng called from Castile to serue Emanuel the King of Portugale , in the yeare of Christe , M. ccccc.ij . the tenth daye of May , departed from the hauen of lisburne , and sayled downe by the coastes of the sea Atlantike , The sea Atlantike vntil he came vnder the Equi●●ctial lyne . And the .xvij. daye of Auguste , they arryued at a cer●ayne lande where they found a kind of beastly people . This land is situate toward the South , fyue degrees beyonde the Equinoctial lyne . A greate multitude of the inhabitantes wer gathered together , and as wel as they coulde by signes and poyntinges , desired oure men to come alande & to see theyr countrey . There were two in the shippe , Thre● of the Spanyardes slayne & eaten . whiche toke vpon them to vewe the land , & learne what spyces or other commodities might be had therein . They were appoynted to returne within the space of fiue daies at the vttermost . But when eyght dayes were now paste , they whiche remayned in the shippes , heard yet nothing of theyr returne : wheras in the meane time great multitudes of other people of the same lande resorted to the Sea syde , but could by no meanes be allured to communicacion . Yet at the length they broughte certayne women , which shewed them selues familier towarde the Spaniardes : Wherupon they sent forth a young man , beyng very strong and quicke , at whom as the women wondered , and stode ga●inge on him and feling his apparell : Fearse & cru●ll women . there came sodeynly a woman downe from a mountayne , bringing with her secretely a great stake , with which she gaue him such a stroke behynde , that he fell dead on the earth . The other womenne foorthwith toke him by the legges , and drewe him to the mountayne , whyle in the meane tyme the men of the countreye came foorth with bowes and arrowes , & shot at oure men . But the Spaniardes dischargeing foure pieces of ordinaunce agaynst them , droue them to flighte . The women also which had slayne the yong man , cut him in pieces euen in the sight of the Spaniardes , shewinge them the pieces , and rosting them at a greate fyre . The men also made certayn tokens , wherby they declared that not past .viij. daies before , they had in lyke maner serued other christian men . Wherfore the Spaniardes hauinge thus sustayned so greuous iniuries vnreuenged , departed with euyl wil : sayling therfore further toward the south , they found a nacion of great multitude , A ciuil● people . & of much gēteler condicions , with whom thei remained .viij. daies , bartering & changeing ware with them . Sayling on yet farther , they went beyond the line called Tropicus Capricorni , where the south pole is eleuate .32 . degrees : & wheras in those parts thei found no great riches , they sailed yet further south ward vntill the pole was eleuate .lij. degrees : the sout● pole eleuate . ●● degrees . where thei came into such a tempeste , that they were enforsed to gather vppe theyr sayles , and to rowe only with the maste , directing theyr viage toward the costes of Ethiopia , from whence they returned againe to Lisburne in Portugale . lisburne

¶ The fourth viage of Vesputius .

THis nauigacion was attempted in the yeare of Christ . M. ccccc . iij. but was not brought to the ende hoped for , by reason of a misfortune which chaunced in the goulfe of the sea Atlantike . Vesputius entended in this viage to sayle to the Ilande of Melcha , the Iland of melcha beyng in the East , in which is sayde to be great ryches , & the stacion of restinge place of all shippes comming from the goulfe Gangeticus , & from the Indian sea . This Melcha , is situate more toward the West , and Calicut more enclininge towarde the south . Calicut . Vesputius came fyrst to the grene Ilandes , called Insulae uerides : Insulae uerides . and sayled from them to Serraliona , beynge in the Southe partes of Ethiopia : from whence saylinge on yet further , he sawe in the middest of the sea an Iland , high and merueylous : where also the M. Pilate of this nauie , A shippe wracke . lost his shippe by running vpon a rocke : but all the mariners escaped . This shippe was of thre hundreth tunne , and had in it al the power of the nauie . When Vesputius had entered into the Iland , he found it rude and vnhabited : yet was it full of byrdes : but had no beastes except Lisertes with forked tayles , Liserte● and S●rpents and S●rpentes . Thus makinge prouision for necessaries , he was enforced to returne to portugale , failing of his purpose .

¶ How the king of Portugale subdued certayn places in India : and of the ryche Cytie of Malacha .

FOrasmuche as therefore in the yeares folowinge , there we●e more often nauigacions made from the West by the south into the East , and the Portugales had now founde a safe passage by the sea , the Portugales bil●●ortes in the East partes . they thought it expedient for theyr better safetie , to make certaine fortificacions and places of refuge in the Easte . The which theyr intent the better to accomplishe , King Emanuel appoynted one Alphonsus an exper●e man on the sea , Alphonsus to be captayne of this viage . Who , desyring to reuenge the losses and iniuries which the Portugales had before sustained , sayled directly to Aurea Chersonesus , Aure● chersonesus . now called Malacha , a merueylous great and riche citie , the great & ryche cytie of Malach● whose king is an infydel of the secte of the Moores : for euen thus farre was the secte of Mahumet extended . Alphonsus therfore at his coming thether besieged the cytie , & made warre agaynst the Saracens whiche helde the same . Saracens In this conflict a greate noumber of theyr enemies beynge slayne , Malacha besieged the Portugales ●ntred into the citie by forse , and kept the ●am● , permitting free libertie to theyr souldiers to spoyle , kyll , the ki●● fighteth on an ●lepha●t . and burne . The king himselfe , fyghting vpon an Elephante , and beyng sore wounded , fledde with the resydue of his companye . A greate numbre of the Moores were slaine with the losse of a fewe Portugales : manye were taken , and great spoyle caried awaye , in the whiche were seuen Elephantes , and all kyndes of ordinaunces perteyning to the warres , made of copper , to the noumbre of two thousande pieces . Plenty of copper . The cytye beynge thus taken and sacked , and the enemyes drieuen to flyghte , Alphonsus the Capitayne the better to prouyde for the sauegarde of the Christians , buylded a stronge forte at the mouth or entraunce of the riuer which runneth through the citie . At this time , that is to witte , in the yeare of Christ . M. ccccc.xij . there were in Malacha many straungers and marchauntes of dyuerse nacions , Marchauntes . whereby the cytie was replenished with great ryches and abundaunce of spyces . Spyces They of theyr owne mocion , desyred to make a leage with Alphonsus , and were of him gently receaued : So that for theyr better safetie , he permitted them to ●well in the houses neare about the forte . And by this meanes , this markette towne was re●dified and broughte to muche better state then euer it was before . These thinges thus happely atchiued , & al thinges in Malacha set in good order , Alphonsus leauing in the forte a garrison of .vi. hundreth valiante souldiours , returned into India , the cytie of Goa . where he besieged the chiefe castell of the cytie of Goa , which ( he ) a fewe yeares beefore , hadde with no smal daunger of our men , and great slaughter of their enemies , subdued the dominion of Emanuel kynge of Portugale , & was nowe possessed of the mores , he manfully recouered agayne , and enforsed them to render vp the same . The Ambassadors make a leage wyth Alphonsus Also the ambassadours of the Kinge of Narsinga , the Kinge of Cambaia , and the King of Grosapha with the legates of dyuers other kinges and Princes , offered them selues to be at a leage wyth Alphonsus , & thereupon broughte theyr presentes vnto hym . No lesse powre and dominion obtayned the king of Spayne in the Ilandes of the Weste partes : the west Ilandes In so muche that at his commaundement , were buylded sixe townes in the Ilandes of Cuba . Cuba . Lykewyse in the Ilande of Iucatana , Iucatana was buylded a greate cytie wyth fayre houses . The Ilande of Cozumella , Cozumella or Sancta Crux . the Spanyardes called Sancta Crux , beecause they came fyrste thether in Maye , on the daye of the Inuencion of the Crosse . In the Ilande of Hispana or Hispaniola , Hispana . were erected .28 . suger presses , Suger presses . to presse the sugre whiche groweth plentifully in certaine canes or redes of the same countrey . From hence also is brought the wood of Guaiacum , The wood called Guaiacum . otherwyse called , Lignum sanctum , wherewith dyuerse diseases are healed by the order of the newe dyete .

¶ Of the Iland of Medera , and the fortunate Ilandes , otherwyse called the Ilandes of Canaria .

BEtwene Spaine & the Ilandes of Canaria , is the Ilande of Medera , Medera , or Madera . which the Spaniardes in our time founde vnhabited and saluage . But perceauinge that the soyle thereof , was very fruitefull , they burnt the woodes , and made the ground apt to bringe foorth corne , and buylded many houses , and so tilled the same , that at this day is no where founde a more fruiteful lande . It hath in it many springes of fresshe water and goodly ryuers , vpon the which are bylded manye sawe mylles , Sawe milles . wherewith manye fayre trees , lyke vnto Ceder & Cypresse trees , Fayre tree● are sawed and cut in sunder , wherof are made most fayre tables , coberdes , cofers , and chayres , and such other curious workes made of wood . These trees are of redde colour , & swete sauour , the bodies and braunches whereof are broughte into Spayne in great plentie . The Kynge of Portugale thought it good to plante in this Iland , that kynde of redes in which suger groweth : Suge● . wherin he was not deceaued in his opinion . For they growe there moste fruitefully , and beare suger which excelleth the sugre of Candye or Sicilia . There were also vynes broughte out of Candye and planted in this Ilande , Vynes . where they prosper so wel , that for the moste part they bring forth more grapes then leaues , and those very great . In this Iland is also great plentie of Partriches , wyld doues , & Peacockes , wild bores , & diuers kindes of other beastes , which onely possessed the Iland before men dyd inhabite the same . Also the Ilandes called Insulae fortunatae , ( whiche are nowe called Canaria , the Ilandes of Canaria . for the multitude of dogges which are in them ) are sayd to be no lesse fruytefull . These Ilandes are tenne in noumbre , of the which seuen are inhabited , & thre remaine desolate . They which are inhabited , are called by these names : Fracta laucea , Magna sors , Grancanaria , Teneriffa Ginera , Palma , and Ferrum . At Columbus first comming thether , the inhabitantes went naked , without shame , religion or knowledge of God . But in successe of time , foure of the greatest Ilandes embrased the Christian faith . christians They haue eche of them a priuate language . Teneriffa and ●rancanaria , are bigger then the other . Teneriffa maye be sene afarre of , to the distaunce of fiftie leages , in a fayre & clere daye . The reason whereof is , that in the middest of the Iland , A mount of burninge brimstone . ryseth a marueylous great & strong rock , which is thought to be .xv. leages high , & casteth ●oorth continuallye greate flames of fyre & pieces of brimstone , as doth the monnt Etna in the Iland of Sicilia . The people of these Ilandes , lyue with barlye bread , flesshe , and mylke . They haue also greate plentie of Goates , wylde Asses , and Fygges . Fygges They lacke wyne and wheate .

¶ Whether vnder the AEquinoctial circle or burninge lyne ( called Torrida zona ) be habitable Regions .

Libr. i. Capit. v. PIus secundus ( otherwise called Eneas Siluius , of this question , wryteth in this maner . It hath been muche doubted whether habitable regions maye be founde vnder the Equinoctial lyne . Eratosthenes is of th oppinion , Eratosthenes . that the ayre is there verye temperate . So thinketh Polybius also , Polibius . affirming that the earth is there verye highe , and watered with many showres . Possidonius . Possidonius supposed that there is no Mountaynes vnder the Equinoctial . Some thoughte that the Equinoctial lyne was extended beyond the earth ouer the mayne Ocean sea : the Equinoctial lin●● whiche thinge the Poet Homere semeth to insinuate , the poet Homere where he faineth that the horses which drawe the chariote of sunne , drinke of the Ocean sea● and the sunne it selfe to take his norishement of the same . Whiche sentence Macrobius also foloweth . Macrobius . Neither was Albertus Magnus farre from this opinion , Albertus Magnus . who supposeth that the sunne draweth vp so much moysture vnder the Equinoctial circle , as engendreth the cloudes vnder the poles , where by reason of th excedinge coldnesse , ayre is continualli turned into water . But Ptolomeus thinketh the earth to bee extended beyonde the Equinoctial , Ptolomeus . whereas he placeth a part of ●he Iland of Taprobana , Taprobana vnder the Equinoctial , & also many nacions of the Ethiopians . Ethiopes Many haue thought that th earthly Paradyse was sette vnder that lyne : which opinion is contrary to th auctoritie of holy scripture which witnesseth the two famous fluddes Tigris and Euphrates to springe oute of Paradise : Tigris & Euphrates . whiche neuerthelesse we know from the North partes to fal into the goulfe called Sinus Persicus : Sinus Pe●sicus . but as concerninge the heate vnder the Equinoctial lyne , the nearenesse of the sunne , The nearenes of the sunne . or the directe beames of the same , are no sufficiente causes why vnder that line should be no habitable regions , if we consider how those places are otherwyse shadowed , Teperate●es vnder the Equinoctial . & tempered with the moystenes and dewes of the nightes , which are all the yeare throughe of equal length with the dayes . Yet wyl no man denye , Torrida zona . but that vnder the Equinoctial throughoute all the burninge lyne there are manye wildernesses and desolate places , lacking water , and incommodious for the lyfe of man : Albeit euen in Ethiopia , Ethiopia people dwell neare to the ryuers and woodes . Plinie also sayth that one Dalion , Plinie . and and Aristocleon ● and ●ion , and Basilides , went Southward beyonde Meroae whiche is almoste vnder the Equinoctial . And that Simonides who writte the descripcion of Ethiopia , dwelte fyue yeres in Meroae : the Iland of meroae whiche Ilande ( beeynge in the fyrme lande and compassed aboute wyth the Ryuer of Nilus ) he affyrmed to bee situate .972 . thousande pases beeyonde Syenes of Egypte , Syenes in Egipte . as the searchers of Nero declared . But at Sienes the Astronomers appoynte the sommer conuersion of the sunne : The conuersion of the sūue . and that there the burning lyne beginneth , Of the furlōge● of Italie viij . doe make one Italien myle , conteyning a. m , pases . beinge distaunte from the AEquinoctial foure and twentie degrees , that is , twelue thousande furlonges . Wherby we maye perceaue that Meroae is situate some what beeyonde the myddest betwene the Equinoctial and Sienes . Ptolomeus also descrybeth the Region of Agisimba to bee inhabited beeyonde the Equinoctial . Agisimba

Lykewyse the Mountaynes of the Mone , called Montes Luna , Montes Eanae . of the which , the fennes or marises of the riuer Nilus haue their spring & originall . Pal●des Nili . He addeth hereunto that there are certayne Ethiopians called Anthropophagi , Ethiopes Anthropophagi . that is , such as eate mans fleshe , which inhabite regions beyond the Equinoctial about the space of .xvi. degrees . Gabi●able regions how farre ●xtended . And thus the inhabitacion of men is found to be extended .x. hundreth thousand pases beyonde the Equinoctial lyne . Whiche space conteyneth no lesse then two clymes of the earth . Cli●● . And a clyme is a porcion of the worlde betwene South and North , wherein is variacion in length of of the daye , the space of halfe an houre .

¶ Finis .

¶ Thus endeth the fyfth boke of Sebastian Munster , of the landes of Asia the greater , and of the newe founde landes , and Ilandes . 1553.

¶ Imprinted at London , in Lombarde strete , By Edward Sutton .

¶ To al aduenturers , and suche as take in hande greate enterpryses . Who hath hot of sowrenes felte the bitter tast , Is not worthy of swetenes to take his repast . To cracke the nutte , he must take the payne , The which would eate the carnell fayne . Who that of bees feareth the stinge , Shal neuer by hony haue great wonninge . As the swete Rose bringeth forth the thorne , So is man truely to ioye and payne borne . The byrde vpon hope byldeth her neste , Where oftentymes she hath but euyll reste . Yet is she not ther●y drieuen ●o such feare , But that she performeth thesame the nexte yeare . much casting of periles doth noble corage swage Yet do not I commende rashenes or outrage . What foles do fable , take thou no hed● at all , For what they know not , they cal phantastical . Nought venter no●ght haue , is a saying of old Better it is to blow the cole , then to syt a cold . For●us fortuna adiuuat , the Latin prouerbe saith , But fayleth to such as faynt and lacke fayth . God giueth al thinges , but not the bul by the horne The plowman by trauaile encreaseth his corne . As fortune fauereth thou mayst be riche or poore , As Cresus or Irus that beggeth at the dore .

¶ Omnis iacta sit alea.

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