The foure parts of the world .

ASIA , so called of the Daughter of Ocean and Thetis , or as some say , of Asia the son of Maneé King of Lidia : is seperated from Europe by the riuer Tanais , nowe called Don , by the sea called in time past Palus Meotides , now Mare de Zabache : and by Pontus Euxinus , now Mer maiour : and by part of the Mediterranian sea : and from Africk by the riuer of Nile .

Europe , that old Writers coniecture to be so called of Europa , daughter of Agenor King of Libia , is seperated from Asia as is already showne ; and from Africk by the Mediterranean Sea .

Africke , which some say is so called of one Affer , of the line of Abraham , is seperated from Europe by the Mediterranean sea , and from Asia by the riuer of Nile .

America , or West-India , so called of Americus Vespusius , but first found out by Christopher Columbus of Genua , the yere of our Lord 1492. It is in manner of an Iland , round about enuironed with the great Ocean sea .

The foure Monarchies .

THE first Monarchie was of the Assirians , founded by Ninus about the yere of the World 2220. augmented by the Queene Semiramis , and after it had endured the terme of 1300 yeeres , it was translated by Arbactus vnto the Medes : and there hauing endured 350 yeeres , it was lost by Astiages , and conquered by Cyrus .

The second Monarchie was of the Persians , founded by Cyrus , the yeere of the World 3425 , which after it had endured 191 yeere , was lost by Darius , and subdued by Alexander the great .

The third Monarchie was of the Grecians , founded by Alexander the great , in the yeere of the world 3634 , and before Christ 320 yeeres ; after whose death it was deuided among the Prefects , which in his life time he had appointed in diuers countries : by which diuision Seleucus was King of Syria , Ptolomeus of Egipt , Antigonus of Asia , Cassander of Macedonia & Greece : all which countries were after subdued by the Romans .

The fourth Monarchie or Empire was of the Romans , founded by Iulius Caesar , the yere of the world 3914 , after the building of Rome 706 yeeres , and before Christ 47 yeeres . This Monarchie florished about the space of 470 yeeres , till that after the death of Theodosius the great , it was deuided by his two sons into two Empires : Arcadius was Emperour of Constantinople , which Empire endured ( though afterwards much diminished by the inuasions of barbarous nations ) vntill the yeere of our Lord 1453 , and then was quite lost by Constantine , and conquered by Mahomet second king of Turks . Honorius was Emperor of Rome , which Empire shortly after , in the yeere of our Lord 475 , & about the ninth month of the raine of Augustus , was vtterly ruinated by Othacar king of Goths . And long after , the yere of our Lord 801 it was restored by Charles the great , and by him vnited to the crowne of France : and by his successors translated into Germanie , where it yet remaineth as a shadow onely , or representation of the greatnes and maiestie of the ancient Romaine Empire .

The sixe ages of the World .

IN the deuiding of these ages , there is great contrarietie of opinions among Writers : for that some follow the computation of the 72 Interpreters , & some follow the Hebrues , and the common text of the Bible . The first age from the creation of the world till the vniuersall flood , endured according to the Hebrues 1656 yeeres , which agreeth with the saying of Saint Hierom , Bede , Filo , and the common text of the Bible . The Seauentie two Interpreters , and Eusebius hold that it endured 2242 yeeres , and Saint Austine is of opinion , that it endured 2272. Of this age few or no things are recited worthy of memory .

The second age from Noe his floud till the birth of Abraham , endured according to the 72 Interpretours , Eusebeus , and the greatest part of writers 942 : and according to the Hebrewes but 292 yeares : Saint Austin counteth 172 yeares . In this age was builded The tower of confusion : the Empire of the Assirians beganne , and the great Citty of Niniue was builded , which contained in circuit three daies iourney .

The third age from Abraham to Dauid , endured by the agreement of all Authors 942 yeares . During this age was the peregrination of Abraham : the beginning of the Amazones , Sodom and Gommorre were destroyed : Ioseph was sold to the Egiptians : Moises passed the red Sea : Iob the iust : Iason conquered the golden Fleece : the destruction of Troy : the Latins beganne to raigne in Italie .

The fourth age from the beginning of the raigne of Dauid , till the peregrination of the Iewes into Babilon , endured 485 yeares : during this age the Empire of Assirians was translated to the Medes , the Olimpiades of the Grecians beganne : Carthage was builded by Dido , & Rome by Romulus : Byzance was also builded : the distruction of Ierusalem by Nabucodonozor , and thereupon the captiuitie of the Iewes .

The fift age from the transmigration of Babilon to the comming of Christ , endured by the agreement of all , 589 yeares . During this age Cyrus beganne the Monarchie of the Persians : the 70 yeare of this age the Iewes returned to their Countrie : Consuls began to rule in Rome : Zerxes inuaded Greece with an armie of 1000000 men : Plato , Aristotle , and Demostenes flourished with many other worthy Philosophers : Alexander wonne the Monarchie of the world : the distruction of Carthage by the Romaines : Caesar vsurped the Empire of Rome .

The Sixt age beganne at the birth of our sauiour Christ , which yet endureth , and shall endure to the end of the world .

The seauen wonders of the world .

THe first , were the walls of Babilon , built by Semiramis , of stone ioyned together with a strange kind of slimie and gluish morter , which groweth in the mines of those Countries , and especially in the lake where stoode in time past Sodome and Gommorre , now called Asfaltide . These walls according to the towne , were built in quadrangle , and contained in circuit ( as sayeth Plinie in the 26 Chapter of his sixt booke ) 60 miles ; so that euery square was fifteene mile long ; they were 200 foote high , and fiftie foote thicke : and to builde these walls were hired by Semiramis , out of diuers Countries for a long space , 300000 men .

The second , was the Piller of the sonne , offered by the Gentiles vnto Iupiter . This Piller stoode in the I le of Rodes , and was made of yron , in the forme of a man of incredible greatnesse ; in so much that a man might scarce fadom the great finger thereof . After it had stood 56 yeares , it fell downe by reason of an earthquake , and so lay till the Iland was wonne by the Souldan of Egipt ; who carried so much mettell away , as loaded 900 Camels .

The third , were the Piramides of Egipt : among the which there is one especially noted , about the Cittie of Memphis , now called the great Caire ; this Piramis couered about 40 acres of land , at the foote or foundation thereof ; it was all built of marble stone , and in the building thereof were imployed continually , for the space of 20 yeares , 3600000 men : and for the sustenance of these workmen , was disburst in radish and such other rootes 1800 talents , which according to our reckening is the summe 1880000 crownes : this might seeme vncredible , were it not that it is affirmed by so many authors of authoritie .

The fourth , was the Mausol , of Mausol King of Caria , and husband to Artemisia so called : this woman for the great loue she bare to her spouse , burned his dead corps , and dranke the pouder thereof , thinking no Sepulcher so worthy thereof , as her owne body ; and the rest of the pouder she buried in this famous Tomb , the stone whereof was of an excellent kind of marble : it was 411 feete in circuit , and 25 cubits high , and was enuironed about with 36 Pillers of stone , wonderfully well carued .

The fift , was the Temple of Diana , builded by the Amazones : it was 455 foote long , and 220 foote broad , and in it stood 127 marble Pillers , each of them being 70 foote high : the worke thereof was so wonderfull curious , that it was 220 yeares a making .

The sixt , was the image of Iupiter Olimpique , in Achaie ; all of Porfire , an infinite number of little peeces ioyned together : this image beside the excellencie of the worke , is especially noted for the greatnesse thereof , and was the more famous by reason of the gamigs , called Olimpiades , there kept .

The seauenth , was the Tower Faros , nigh vnto Alexandria in Egipt , builded by Ptolomée Philadelphe King of Egipt , to direct the passengers which came to take hauen thereabouts , by burning of pitch , or other like things in the toppe : this Tower was of a meruailous height , and singuler workmanship ; the building whereof cost according to our money 480000 crownes . Some authors put for the seauenth wonder , the Gardens and Orchards vpon the walls of Babilon . Others put the Obelisque of Semiramis , which differreth in nothing from a Piramis , sauing that it is all of one stone : the Obelisque , Semiramis caused to be wraught , and taken out of the mountaines of Armenia : it was a hundreth and fifty foote high , and euery square was foure and twenty foote braod at the bottome ; so that it contained in circuit 96 foote .

The seauen wise men of Greece .

Blas borne in the hauen Towne of Prieme , in the Countrie of Ionia .

Solon borne in the Iland of Salamine . Chilo borne in Lacedemonia . Cleobulus borne at Lind in the I le of Rhodes . Pittacus borne at Mycilene in the I le of Lesbos . Thales borne at Mileto in Greece . Periander King of Corinth .

The tenne Sibylles .

THe first was of Persia , called Samberta : which among other Prophecies sayd . The womb of the Virgine shall be the saluation of Gentiles .

The second was of Libia , one of her Prophecies were . The day shall come that men shall see the King of all liuing things , and a Virgine Lady of the world shall hold him in her lap .

The third was Themis , surnamed Delphica , because shee was borne and prophecied , at Delphos . A Prophet shall bee borne of a Virgine .

The fourth was Cuméa , borne at Cimerie a Cittie of Campania in Italia : who prophecied , that God should be borne of a Virgine , and conuerse among sinners .

The fift was the famous Erithraea , borne at Babilon : who especially prophecied a great part of our Christian religion , in certaine verses recited by Eusebeus ; the first letters of euerie which verses being put together , make these words , Iesus , Christ , Son of God , Sauiour . These verses are translated into Latine by Saint Austine Lib. 18 , and 23 , de ciuitate dei : the substance whereof followeth . The earth shall sweate signe of iudgement : from heauen shall come a King which shall raigne for euer , that is to say , in humaine flesh , to the end that by his presence he iudge the world , so the vnfaithfull aswell as the faithfull shall see God with their eies aloft among his Saints ; and in the end of the world , the soules of men with their bodies shall appeare ; whom hee shall iudge when the roundnesse of the earth , vntilled shall be full of clods of earth and grasse , men shall cast away their idols , and all their precious Iewels , the world shall be consumed with fire , hee shall pierce the inferiour parts , and breake the gates of darke hell : then to the flesh of Saints shall be giuen free and cleere light , and the euill shall be burned with eternall fire , all secrets shall be opened , and euery one shall knowe the secret of his neighbour , and God shall discouer the consciences and harts of all men : then shall there be lamentation and gnashing of teeth , the Sunne and Starres shall loose their light , the firmament shall be dessolued , & the Moone shall be darkened , the mountaines shall be throwne downe , and the valeis shall bee made equall with them , there shall bee nothing in the world higher or lower then another , mountaines and valleis shall be made plaine , all things shall cease ; the earth shall be dryed vnto pouder and dust , the fountaines and riuers shall be burned likewise , then shall a trumpet sound from heauen in wofull & horrible manner , and the opening of the earth shall discouer confused and darke hell , with the torments and paines of the miserable condemned , and heere before the iudge shall come euery King : a riuer of fire & brimstone shal fall from heauen . Diuers other things were prophecied by this Sibylle : and because they were obscure , and therefore not to be comprehended by the Gentiles before they came to passe , she sayed of her selfe these words . They shall thinke me a false and blind Prophetisse ; but when they shall see these things come to passe , they will remember me & call me no more a false Prophetisse , but a Prophetisse of the almighty God .

The sixt was called Samia , borne in the I le of Samos , which said : Hee beeing rich shall be borne of a poore mayde ; the creatures of the earth shall adore him , and praise him for euer .

The seauenth was called Cumana , because shee prophecied at Cumas a towne of Campania in Italie : shee prophecied that he should come from heauen , and raigne heere in pouerty : hee should rule in silence , and be borne of a virgen .

The eight was called Helespontica , borne at Marmise in the territorie of Troy . A woman shall descend of the Iewes called Marie , and of her shall be borne the sonne of God , named Iesus , and that without carnall copulation : for shee shall be a Virgen before and after his birth : he shall be both God and man , he shall fulfill the lawes of the Iewes , and shall adde his owne lawe thereunto : and his kingdome shall remaine for euer .

The ninth was of Frigia , and prophecied in the towne of Ancire , one of her sayings were ; The Highest shall come from heauen , and shall confirme the counsaile in heauen , and a virgen shall be shewed in the valleis of the deserts .

The tenth was Albunea , surnamed Tiburtina , because she was borne at Tiber , 15 mile from Rome . The inuisible Word shall be borne of a virgin : hee shall conuerse among sinners , and shall of them be despised . Lactantius Firmianus reherseth diuerse of their prophecies , without making any particular mention of them : they are to be referred specially notwithstanding ( as it should seeme ) vnto Sybilla Samberta , who wrote 24 Bookes in verse ; chiefely intreating of the comming , miracles , and life of Christ , whereunto , the sayings of all the other Sibylles are conformable .

S. Austine likewise in the 23 chapter of his 18 booke De ciuitate Dei , reciteth those prophecies as followeth . Then hee shall be taken by the wicked hands of the Infidels , and they shall giue him buffets on his face with theyr sacriledge hands , and they shall spit vppon him with theyr foule and cursed mouthes . Hee shall turne vnto them his shoulders suffering them to be whipped ; yea hee shall holde his peace without speaking ere a word , to the end that none shall knowe from whence his words proceedeth . He shal also be crowned with thornes ; they shall giue him gall to eate , & vineger to drinke : behold the feast that they shall make him : in so much that thou ignorant and blind people shall not know thy God conuersing among men , but thou shalt crowne him with thornes , mingling for him gal and vineger . Then the vaile of the temple shal rend , and at midde day it shal be darke night for the space of three houres . So the iust shal die the death , and his death or sleepe shall continue three dayes : and when he shall haue been in the bowels of the earth , hee shal resuscit and returne to life .

Lactantius moreouer , lib. 4. chap. 15. reherseth these prophecies of them . Hee shal raise the dead , the impotent and lame shall goe , and runne nimbly , the deafe shall heare , the blind shal see , the dumbe shall speake freely . And a little before that , sayeth , with fiue loaues and two fishes , he shal nourish in the Deserts 5000 men , and the fragments thereof shall be sufficient to satisfie many more . Many other thinges were foretold by these Sibyls , as well of the ruines of great States as of Christ .

The twelue Apostles with theyr martyrdome .

IAmes the sonne of Zebedee , called maior , for that hee was chosen to be an Apostle , was sent to conuert Spayne , from whence by reason of the obstinacie of the people , ( for he conuerted in all but nine persons ) hee returned shortly againe to preach in Iudea . Where by the enuy of a Iewish Bishop called Abiathar , he was accused , and beheadded by the consent of Herod Agrippa . His body was conuaied by his disciples first to Ierusalem , and from thence to Spayne , where it yet remaineth in Compostella a famous pilgrimage .

Iames the sonne of Alphey , called minor , for that hee was last chosen , hee was the first Bishop of Ierusalem , and that by the space of thirty yeeres : and then as he was preaching in the Temple , hee was throwne headlong downe by the Pharises , and by them stoned to death . He was buried by the Temple .

Simon by Christ called Peter , through the indignation of Nero , because he had ouercome Simon Magus , was crucified with his head downeward , according as he desired .

Saul , after his conuersion called Paul , after hee had endured and escaped many dangers and torments , as beating with rods , and put in the stocks by Philippus ; stoned in Listria , deliuered to wilde beasts in Ephesis , bound and beaten in Ierusalem , and many others : lastly came to Rome , whereby the commaundment of Nero , hee was beheaded ( because hee was a Romaine borne ) the same day that Peter was crucified . Paule in steade of Iohn , because hee ended not his life with martirdome .

Phillip , after hee had preached through the whole Countrie of Scythia , and conuerted a great part thereof in the space of 20 yeares , was at the last in the Cittie of Ierapolis ( when hee had there extirped the heresie of the Hebeonits ) fastened to the crosse , and so died .

Bartholmew went to preach in India , and afterward cam to Albania a Cittie of Armenia the greater , where he conuerted the King of that Cittie , and destroyed the idols , wherefore by the commaundment of Astiagus brother to the King Polemius , whom hee had conuerted , hee was flead quicke . His bodie was afterwards brought to Italie , and is as some say at Rome .

Andrew , Simon Peters brother , went first to preach in Achaia , and afterward preached in Scithya : but lastly hee was taken at Patras a Cittie of Achaia , by Egeas , Proconsull of that Prouince : who because he had conuerted his wife Maximilla , cast him in prison , where he was sore beaten , and lastly stretched out and bound on a slope crosse , to augment his torment , and so died .

Thomas preached the Gospell to the Parthians , Medes , Persians , Hyrcanians , Bragmans , and conuerted a great part of India . He was by the infidells throwne into a burning furnace , and came out vnhurt . Finally , because he prayed God to destroy the idole of the sonne , which the infidells would haue compelled him to worship , hee was by them thrust through with speares and swords .

Mathew , after he had preached much in Iudea , he went into Ethiopia , & there conuerted the greatest part of that Countrie . Finally , hauing newly ended his prayers , and lefting vp his hands to heauen by the altar , certaine spies came behinde him , and ranne him through with their swords : which was donne by the commaundment of a King of those Countries .

Iudas , called also Thadeus , after the assention of our Lord , was sent by Thomas to heale Abagar King of Edissa : afterwards he preached in Ponte , and Mesopotamia , and conuerted many cruell and barbarous people . Lastly , hee came to Persia , where for counfounding of their idols , was suddenly runne vppon , and murdered by the Paymin Bishops of that Countrie . He is buried at Netre a Cittie of Armenia .

Simon , called Chananeus , brother to Thadeus , and Iames the lesse ; after he had preached in Egipt , returned to Ierusalem , whereof by the consent of the Apostles , he was made Bishop after the martirdome of his brother Iames. As touching his death and martirdome , some say that he sufferred with his brother Iudas Thadeus in Persia , others , that he was through the enuie of Heretikes , accused to bee a Christian afore the Consull Atticus , and therefore crucified , as his maister was .

Mathy , after the ascention of Christ , chosen by the Apostles to supply Iudas ●ome , was borne at Bethlem , & descended of the Tribe of Iuda , he preched altogether in Iudea , where lastly he was accused by his enemies of periurie or rather blasphemie , and therefore hee was condemned to be stoned to death by two men , during which torment , one smote him with a hatchet , and so he suffered martyrdome .

The tenne persecutions vnder the Romaine Emperors .

THe first beganne in the 13 yeere of the raigne of Nero , in such sort , that the Christians were faine to hide themselues in caues of the earth .

The second began in the 12 yeere of the raigne of Domician , who caused S. Iohn the Euangelist to be put in a vessell of burning oyle , whereof he receiued no hurt .

The third began in the tenth yeere of the raigne of Traian , which ceased afterwards by the pitty and meanes of Plinie , 2. prefect of the Empire .

The fourth beganne vnder Marcus Antoninus , and Aurelius Commodus Empire .

The fift began at the commaundement of the Emperour Seuerus .

The sixt began by the indignation of Maximinus , who especially persecuted the Clergie .

The seauenth began vnder the Emperour Decius , and continued cruelly .

The eight began vnder the Emperor Valerius , who though at the first he were a Christian , yet afterwards beeing corrupted by certaine herericks , he became a most cruell persecuter of Christ his Church .

The ninth began vnder the Emperour Aurelianus .

The tenth began by the commandement of the Emperors Dioclesianus and Maximianus Herculeus : this persecution was farre more cruell and generall then any of the rest : insomuch that Dioclesianus in the orient , and Maximianus in the occident , destroyed all Churches , and tormented the Christians with all strange torments .

The eyght times that Rome hath beene taken .

ROme was first taken by the Gaules , vnder the conduct of theyr captaine Brennus , the yeere of the foundation of the Cittie about 365 , the yeere of the world 4835 , & the yere before Christ 364. This Brennus is by the Britain & English Chronicles reported to be a Britain , and brother to Belinus king of Britain ; but neither the Chronicles of Rome nor of Gaule doe speake of any such matter .

Rome was secondly taken by Alaricke king of Gothes , after he had held his siege to it the space of two yeeres , which befell the yeere of the foundation of the Citty 1164 , the yere of our Lord 412 , and the 25 yeere of the Empire of Honorius . It is written in the Chronicles of Constantinople , and in other places , that as Alaricke ( beeing a Christian , ) marched with his host towards Rome , a certaine Munck , of holy life and great authority , came vnto him , who hauing audience , admonished and counsailed him to breake of that euill purpose , and to remember that he was a Christian , and that for Gods sake hee would moderate his wrath , and that he should not take pleasure in the shedding of Christian blood , sith that Rome had not in any respect offended him . Vnto whom Alaricke aunswered him , Thou must vnderstand man of God , that it proceedeth not of mine owne will that I goe against Rome : but contrarily I assure thee , that euery day there commeth vnto me a man , which constraineth and importuneth me thereunto , saying vnto me , Hasten thee , goe against Rome , destroy it vtterly , and make it desolate . At which wordes the religious man beeing astonished , durst not reply : and so the King followed his enterprise .

Rome was thirdly taken by Gensericke king of Vandales , the yeere of the foundation of the citty 1208. the yeere of Christ 456. who sacked and burned it in many places , which befell in the Empire of Marcian .

Rome was fourthly taken by Totila King of Gothes , who because hee could not obtaine peace of the Emperour Iustinian , ( who trusted too much in the power of his Lieutenant Bellisarius ) commaunded the Cittizens to auoyde the Cittie , and afterward burned , sacked , and destroyed almost all the Cittie , walls , and the Capitall , and made it altogether desolate : in so much that neuer since it could be repayred according to the first forme , although a while after Bellisarius peopled and repaired a great part thereof , and calling againe the old inhabitants , fortified and strengthned much the walls . This desolation , and of all other most lamentable , happened the yeare after the foundation of the Citty 1300 : afther Christ 548 , & the 21 yeare of the Empire of Iustinian .

Rome was fiftly taken by the same Totila , King of Goths ; after that Bellisarius had repeopled & repayred it : but whereas before he had almost destroyed it , hee now called againe the Cittizens , which were fled at his comming , and trauailed all he could to restore and repaire that which he had destroyed : and behaued himselfe towards his subiects , and especially towards the Romaines , not like a stranger but a father . This happened but three yeares after he had destroyed it .

Rome was sixtly taken by the Mores & Sarrazins , followers of Mohomet his law , which in great multitude came into Italy , and in the yeare of our Lord 833 , sitting in Rome , Gregorie the fourth , & gouering the Empire Lewis the first ; besieged , tooke , and sacked Rome , prophaning the Temple of Saint Peter : which donne they returned to their shippes , charged with prayes and prisoners .

Rome was seauenthly taken by Henry the fourth of that name , Emperour of Germanie , sitting in Rome , Gregorie the seauenth : this time Rome was most cruelly destroyed , by reason that both the armies of the Pope and the Emperour scurmished , and fought long within the Cittie , and the Capitole , which had beene before ( destroyed ) was now againe ( repayred ) which befell the yeare of our Lord 1082 : authors write that Rome neuer was so much endomaged at any thing , as at this , for the lamentable destruction that was donne by the Normans on the Popes side , and Germaines for the Emperour .

Rome was last taken by Charles , the last Duke of Bourbon : who being slaine as he scaled the walls at the first assaut , and by that chance , the souldiers being in libertie and without a head , pittifully destroyed the Cittie , and committed all kind of enormities , and barbarous cruelties , sauing that they burned not the Churches , although they spoyled and robbed them to the vttermost , for a great part of the armie were Germaines , and most of the Germaines Lutherans . This aduersitie happened to Rome the yeare of our Sauiour 1527 , sitting at Rome Clement the seauenth : and gouering the Empire Charles the fift .

The seauen Electors of the Emperour of Germanie .

THree Ecclesiasticall : that is to meane , the Archbishoppe of Magonce , called the Archchancelour of Germanie : the Archbishoppe of Colen , called the Archecancelour of Italie : and the Archbishoppe of Treues , called the Archechancelour of France . Foure Temporall : the Marquis of Brandebourg , great Chamberlaine of the Empire : the Duke of Saxonie , beareth the sword before the Emperour : the Earle Palatin of Rhene , Dapifer , of carrying the plate : the King of Baeme , Taster to the Emperour , or Karuer . These Electors were first ordained by the Emperour Othon third of that name , in the yeare of our Lord 1000 , to take away the dissention which before times had beene for the choosing of Emperours : and ordained moreouer , that being chosen by these seauen Electors , he should be called Caesar , but being afterwards crowned by the Bishop of Rome , he should be called Augustus .

The three crownes of the Emperour .

THe first Crowne is of siluer , for the Realme of Germaine , and is kept at Aix the Chappell . The second Crowne is of yron , for the Realme of Lombardie , and is kept at Modene , a little Towne not farre from Milan . And the third of gold , for the Empire of Rome , where it is kept .

The xij . Peers , or Pairs of Fraunce .

IN the Realme of France to be a Peer , is the greatest dignitie vnder the King , for that in many thinges they haue almost equall authority with the King ; for Peer in the French tongue signifieth equall . But because it might be too prolixe a matter to speak of theyr prerogatiues , it shall suffice to number them , and each of theyr offices at the sacring or coronation of a new King . These ancient Peers are twelue in number ; whereof sixe are of the Clergy , and sixe are Lay men : the sixe of the Clergie with theyr offices at the corronation , are the Archbishop and Duke of Reins , which hath his accustomed charge to oynt and consecrate the King , the Bishop and Duke of Laon , who office is to bring the holy Ampoule , or diuine water , wherwith the King is annointed : the Bishop and Duke of Langres , whose office is to bring the scepter & the hand of iustice ; the Bishop and Earle of Beauuais , bringeth the Kings cloake ; the Bishop & Earle of Chaalons , bringeth the Kings Ring ; the Bishop and Earle of Noyon , bringeth the Kings gyrdle . The sixe temporall Peers with theyr offices at the corronation , are the Duke of Burgundie , Deane or chiefe of the rest , whose office is to bring the kings crowne : the Duke of Guyen bringeth the first square banner : the duke of Normandie bringeth the second square banner : the Earle of Earle of Tolowze bringeth the Kings spurres : the Earle of Champaine bringeth the kingly banner , or the standart of warre : and the Earle of Flaunders bringeth the Kings sword . And although the fiue first temporall Peerdoms be vnited to the crowne , and the sixt bee subiect to another Prince , yet at at the Kings corronation , there are other noble men appointed to supply theyr roome and offices . These be the twelue ancient Peers , although since theyr creation others haue been made , which though they haue like authoritie to iudge in the Court of Parliament , yet they want offices at the Kings coronation , and beare not that maiestie that the other Pees doe , for that they are not of so great antiquitie .

The eyght Parliaments of Fraunce .

THE chiefe & generallest iustice of the realme of France , is continually kept in eyght Citties , wherein are Pallaces made expresly for that purpose : and this generall kind of iustice is deuided into eyght parts , according to the eyght Citties , and euery of them are called Parliaments , which differ very little from our Termes : but whereas these are but foure times in a yeere , those are continually kept , each of them hauing in stead of our Lord Chancelor , a chiefe President .

The first and chiefest of these Parliaments is that of Paris , called the Court of the Peers of Fraunce : and to the equitie and iudgement of this Parliament , many forraine Kings and Princes haue submitted themselues in matters of greatest importance , as to the most venerable and chiefest Senate of iustice in the world . Such were the Emperor Fredericke the second , called Barberousse , king of both Sicils , when he submitted himselfe to the iudgement of this Court of Parliament , as touching all the controuersies of his Empire and kingdoms , which he had against Pope Innocent the fourth : Philip prince of Tarente , and the Duke of Burgundie , who sumbitted them selues to this Parliament , for the controuersie betwixt them vpon the expences of the recouery of the Empire of Constantinople . The Duke of Lorraine subiect to the Empire , and the Lord Guy of Chastillon , who submitted thēsēlues to the iudgement of this Court , as concerning the limitation of their lands and possessions : the Daulphin of Vienne , & the Earle of Sauoy summitted themselues to the iudgement of this Parliament , concerning the sute betwixt them , for the homage of the Marquisat of Saluces . Moreouer , without the consent of this Parliament , it hath not beene seene that the Kings of Fraunce haue done or passed any matter of importance touching the state of the Realme , so much is it respected both within the Realme and abroad . This Court of Parliament was first ordeyned by Phillip the fayre , King of France .

The second Parliament is at Bordeaux , for the countries of Gwyen , Gascoine , Zaintonge , Perigort , part of Poictou , and others : and was first ordained by Charles the seauenth .

The third Parliament is at Rouën , for the Dukedome of Normandie , first made Exchequer by Phillip the fayre , and afterwards continuall Parliament by Lewes the twelfth .

The fourth Parliament is at Toulowze , first ordained for certaine times of the yeere by Phillip the fayre , and afterwards made continuall by Charles the seauenth , for the Country of Languedoc .

The fift Parliament is at Grenoble , for the country of Daulphine , instituted by Lewes the xj .

The sixt Parliament is at Dijon for the Dukedome of Burgundie , it was likewise ordained by the sayd Lewes the xj .

The seauenth Parliament is at Aix , for the Earledome of Proueme , appointed by Lewes the xij .

The eyght Parliament is at Renes in Britaine , ordained by Henry the second . Of all these Parliaments Paris Parliament is the chiefe ; and certaine cases are reserued to be iudged only at the Parliament of Paris .

The seauen Saxon Kingdomes that England was once deuided into .

THe first , was the Kingdome of Kent : which had his beginning of the Saxon Hengist , in the yeare of our Lord 476 : and the fift yeare of Vortiger King of Britaine his last raigne ( for he had beene deposed ) the Kingdome continued 342 yeares , till that Egbert King of Westsaxons vanquished Baldred last King thereof , and ioyned it to his owne Kingdome .

The second Kingdome was of Sussex , or Southsaxons , which began by the Saxon Ella , in the yeare of our Lord 482 : and the second yeare of Aurelambrose King of Britaine . This kingdome continued not aboue 112 yeares .

The third kingdome was of Estangles , or east Englishmen , and contained Northfolke and Southfolke : it was first begunne by the Saxon Vffa , about the yeare of our Lord 492 : and the 11 yeare of Aurell Ambrose king of Britaine . This kingdome continued 376 yeares ; the last king whereof was Saint Edmond martired by the Danes .

The fourth was the kingdome of Westsaxons , containing the West countrie of England , and had his beginning by the Saxon Cerdicus , the yeare of our Lord 522 : and the fift yeare of Arthur the great king of Britaine , and endured from the first yeare of Cerdicus to the last of Alured , the tearme of 378 yeares . The kings of this Countrie subdued at length all the other sixe kingdomes , which Egbert beganne , and Alured finished , making of all the South part of this Iland one Monarchie .

The fift was the kingdome of Northumberland , containing the Countries betwixt the Riuer of Humber and Scotland , had his beginning of the Saxon Ida , king of Brenicia ; the yeare of our Lord 547 : and the second or last yeare of the raigne of Aurele Canon , king of Britaine . This kingdome of Northumberland was at the first deuided into two kingdomes , the one was called the Brenicia , which bended towards the North , & the other Deyra ( about ) the Countrie of Durham : and this kingdome continued some while vnder one king , sometime vnder two , the tearme of 409 yeares : first vnder the Saxons , and then vnder the Danes .

The sixt kingdome was of the East Saxons , or Essex , which beganne by the Saxon Sobert , the yeare of our Lord about 614 : & continued from the beginning of the raigne of Sebert till the eight yeare of Edward the elder , 293 yeares .

The 7. kingdome was of Mercia , containing Huntingtonshire , Hertfortshire , Glocestershire , and others : and was the greatest of all the other , taking his beginning of the Saxon Penda , in the yeare of our Lord 626 : after the comming of Hengist 126 yeares : during the raigne of Cadwan king of Britain , and continued from Penda till that Edward the elder chased out the Danes , about 280 yeeres . These 7. kingdoms of the Saxons , beside that of Walles & Scotland , were all contained at once in this Iland of Britaine , and continued along space .