The surueye of the vvorld, or situation of the earth, so muche as is inhabited Comprysing briefely the generall partes thereof, with the names both new and olde, of the principal countries, kingdoms, peoples, cities, towns, portes, promontories, hils, woods, mountains, valleyes, riuers and fountains therin conteyned. Also of seas, with their clyffes, reaches, turnings, elbows, quicksands, rocks, flattes, shelues and shoares. A work very necessary and delectable for students of geographie, saylers, and others. First vvritten in Greeke by Dionise Alexandrine, and novv englished by Thomas Twine, Gentl.

¶ A generall diuision of the Earth in to three partes .

THe whole Earthe The earthe almost an Ilande . béeing compassed almoste rounde wyth the Ocean Sea lyke a great Ilande , yet is not altogither round lyke a boule , but ryseth somewhat on bothe sydes towardes the course of the Sunne , and maketh semblance of a certain mistie cloude . This earth , although it be one , notwithstanding our ancients deuided it into thrée , wherof they called one Lybia , sometyme subdued by Libes , Libya of Libes . Aphrica . Europa . Asia . The shoare Gaditanum . Nilus . Egypte . or Aphrica , bycause it is without sharpnesse of colde . An other Europa of a lost woman . And the thirde Asia greater than the other twayne . Lybia is seuered from Europe on the one side , by the shore Gaditanum otherwise Gibraltur , on the other by the mouth of Nilus , chiefly where the northsyde of Egypt runneth along , and the glorious temple of Canopus Amyclaeus Canopus Amyclaeus . Tanais . is buylded . The riuer Tanais , now Tana disioyneth Europe from Asie , and so washing the coasts of them both , Sauromatae . runneth northerly by the Sauromates , called also Sarmatae or Poloni , into Scythia , and into the fennes Maeotides now El mar negro . But in the southe , the fyrst Hellespontus . bound is towarde Hellespontus , and the mouth of Nilus , which is more southerly than Helespontus , now El far de Gallipoli , and Brachium S. Georgu . Notwithstanding , some affirme , that the earth is foure square , whiche béeing enuironned with the two straytes of Caspium , The earthe compassed by the seas Caspium , & Euxinum . and Euxinum : the Gréekes called it ( as euery lyke narow péece of lande lying betwéene two seas ) Isthmus , and that it is compassed about with them bothe . There were some also , that sayde there was an other Isthmus , which reachyng Isthmus what it is . Arabia . lykewyse towardes the Southe , cutteth off the Gore of Arabia , and Egypt , whiche diuydeth Lybia from Asie . Since therefore , the whole Earthe is wyth these boundes deuyded into three : no manne oughte to doubte , but that it is compassed wyth the Oceane . Whyche Ocean béeing but one , as also the earth is , yet is distinguished by dyuerse names , accordyng as it dyuersly intrencheth , and diuydeth the partes of one bodye . For néere vnto the furthest partes of the Worlde , from whence the Western wynd bloweth , and the mightie Hill Atlas , called nowe Maiust , ryseth , Atlas . it is called no more the Oceane , Hesperia . Hesperum . but of the further Hesperia nowe Bernie , wherby it passeth , the sea Hesperum , or of the hill Atlas , Atlanticum . By higher , Atlanticum to the north , where the sauage nation of the Arimaspi , hauing only one eye in their Arimaspi . forheade , doo dwell , for so muche as the Sunne by his farre distance from them ryseth late , and shyneth fayntely , and the countrey is enclosed with high hilles , whereby it is alwayes couered wyth darke cloudes , and congealed with hard frostes : what parte of the Ocean lyeth about those quarters of the ycie water , they call Pontus Glacialis , or the Frozen Pontus glacialis . Mare Mortuum . sea : Or else bycause the waues there séeme to die , Mare mortuum , or the dead sea : also for that it standeth euer quietly without m●uing : Saturnium or Saturnus Saturnium mare . Eoum mare Indicum . sea , where the sunne ryseth Eoum , and also the same Indicum , from whence immediatly it runneth to the south , and is called the red sea , or Mare , Aethiopicum , Mare Aethiopicum or the red sea . chiefly running foorth by a certain wast desert , and an inhabitable soyle of the earth , alwayes tossed with extreme heate . But out of the Oceane , manye armes rise on euery side , which pa●●ing through the mids of the earth , are termed of our countrymen , Inland seas , but of the Gretians Inlande seas . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , proprely signifying bosoms or hollow roomths such as ar within the vdders of beasts . Wherof Hesperum Hesperum . is first , bicause it passeth by the ends Hesperia . Libya . Pamphilia . of Hesperia and Lybia ▪ and runneth to Pamphilia . The other ( though it be lesse ) yet is it more profitable . For it issueth out of that Sea , which we called Glaciale ▪ Glaciale Saturnium . or Saturnium , on the side that Caspia lyeth , and the fierce northeaste bloweth Hircanum . and maketh the sea ▪ Hircanum . Bothe other twaine , running from the south , the Persis . higher floweth foorth into Persis ▪ against the sea called Caspium , and maketh the Caspium . crooke Persicum , and the other Arabicum , Persicum . which breaking forth by little , and little , at last draweth togither into Euxinum & of the Arabicum , changeth name into Pontus Euxinus . Arabicum . Euxinum . Ther be also many m● reaches and turnes : howbeit bicause thei be vnknowne , and of small accompte , neyther searched out by any of our men , I leaue them as dead & vntouched . But I think it best to return to those which we haue thus diuided , whiche I sayd before , were foure , that we may plainly declare what they be , what course they obserue , and what countries they runne by . And that I may beginne with the Ocean ▪ the The Ocean . The nooke Hesperius . nooke called Hesperius , whiche in widenesse , and length of course , surpasseth the reste , passing by many countries , citties , and townes , & enuironing diuers Ilands and high Mountaynes : filleth all places with greate store and varietie of al manner prouision , & engendreth great abundance euery where . And this is it , at the entraunce wherof , the hugie pillers ( as common reporte goeth ) set vp by Hercules Hercules Pillers ▪ Gades . do stande , chiefly aboute the toppe of Atlas , and the extreame parte of Gades , now Caliz , whereof , at this day one is to be séene , made of massy brasse , & erected Note . of such heigth , that it appereth to reache aboue the cloudes , & ( that is more maruel ) to touch the skye . At this place beginneth the sea Hibericum , and therfore The sea Hibericum . it is said that at that mark , as at a newe beginning , Hercules began to sweate , Hercules sweat . who conquered al the countries therabout . But that sea , after that , flowing betwixt Libya , and Europe , giueth knowledge of begynning of them both . For the pillers are erected in suche maner , on eche side the shore , that the one sheweth where Europe is , & the otherwher Libya or Aphrica : Aphrica . Afterward , passing forth along , & bounding shortly on the coaste of Fraunce , at Fraunce . length by many goares , and crooks turneth to Massilia , where loosing the olde Massilia . name , is afterwarde called the Frenche The frenche sea . Liguria . Where Italy beginneth . Ausonia . Sea. Then runneth ▪ it foorth by Liguria , nowe terra de Genoua , where Italy beginneth , and the countrey Ausonia , and approcheth diuers cities thereof , chiefly towards the North , and therehence is called Ligusticum , of Liguria , whose shoare Ligusticum . it washeth . From thence it higheth anon to Leucopetra , which is oueragainst , and Leueopetra . is washed with the Sicilian Sea , now elfar The Sicilian sea . Cirnus ▪ Corsica . Sardinia Sardinium mare . Tyrrhenia . Mare Tyrrhenum . Thuscum . Sicilia . de Mesina . So vnto Cirnus , that is Corsica . Thence flowing to Sardinia , now Sardegna , is by and by called Sardinium mare . Anon it floweth south , by the coaste of Tyrrhenia , and is called Tyrrhenum , or Thuscum . But afterward , when it bendeth to the rising of the sunne , and runneth about Sicilia , which the Sicilian sea encompasseth , and glyding by the Mounte Pachynus , now Cabo Pacino ▪ and Crete now Candy , enuironed wholy with the Sea , where then it waxeth very wyde , and ample , immediatly discouereth Gortina Gortina . famous , both for religion , and antiquitie , & also Phaeston , although it lye more within Phaeston . the land , and rising vpward crokedly , after the maner of a Rammes hed : is called The rammes head . Iapygium . the Rammes head by the inhabitants . Thenceforth it procedeth to Iapygium ▪ wher it wideneth toward the north , and there is Adriaticum . called the sea Adriaticum , now la Canal de Venetia . So bendeth it to the hither Hesperia , and maketh mare Ionium , where by & Ionium . by , two countries , each ouer against other are descried . Wherof one , which lieth on the right hand , at entrance , is called Illyrica , Illirica . nowe Sclauonia , the other on the left , Ausonia , whiche of it selfe is as it were Ausonia . in maner of a great lithmus , stretching for the along the continente , enclosed rounde ( almoste ) wyth three Seas , namely the Tirrhenum , the Sicilian , and that which we spake of last Adriaticum . Whereof euerie one is moued with his owne winde , that those whiche trafficque with other countries , may safely fall therewith out of their hauens . For the Tyrrhene searequireth a west wind , What winds these seas require . and the Sicilian a southe , Adriaticum the southeast . But that whiche of Sicilia is called Siculum , breaking forth towarde Libya , ouerfloweth the southe Syrtes , Syrtes . nowe Baxi , or Banqui de Barbaria , and runneth forth into another Sea , which though it be bigger , and wyder , yet séemeth to deuoure and destroy it quite . That whiche is inner , hauing entrance but verie weake , receyuing the waues of another issuing in a far off , rolleth in somtime with such force , that the fluddes whiche come along the hilles of Sicile , and passe forth by Crete , are beaten backe agayne eastward , to the toppe of Salmonis , which ( they say ) is the highest Salmonis . part toward the East of al Crete . But chiefly these two Seas séeme to striue and rage , when they be moued with the northeast wynde of Thracia , which often breaketh ▪ forthe secretely , and discouereth firste of al the Sea whiche the Mariners call Pharium , reaching to Pharium . Casius . Sidonium . to the furthest pointe of the hill Casius , next Sidonium , which stretching forth by North and East into the mayne lande , and wetting the countrie Issica nowe ●ssica . Issicum . ●aiassa , is called - Issicum . And thence running not muche further , turneth nygh Sicile , & so resteth . Then running forth a shosh , northerly windeth it selfe like a Serpent , and making many elbows , at lengthe ●●ydeth by the coaste of Pamphilia ▪ Pamphylia . But when it is approched the The Ilands Chelidone . Chelidone Ilandes , it taketh part of the west , and bringeth to viewe the top of Patareis a far off . Agayne towardes the Patareis . Aegaeum . north it maketh the Sea Agaeum nowe Arch●pe●ago . Whose broken course , by reason of many Ilandes in it , causeth such roaring and raging of the water , that it is thought there is no Sea more troublous , nor more dangerous , nor that rayseth more noyse from the botom . From thence it goeth to Tenodus , and Tenodos . there ( as it were ) maketh an ende , béeing ( as who saye ) ashamed of his accustomed wydenesse , and forgetting hys wonted fiercenesse , kéepeth with in a narrowe channell , and gyneth a newe shewe , and so obtayneth a newe name . For neyther is it longer called Aegeum , neyther Pamphilicum , neyther Cilicum , but a certayne narrow Sea , vntyll it come to the mouthe Bosphorus in Thracia , nowe el far de Bosphorus in Thracia . Constantinopoli , where ( as report goeth ) Io harlotte too Iupiter , when shée The fable of lo. was transfourmed into an Heckfer by Iunos aduise : swamme crosse the water , wherefore it was called Bosphorum mare , that is to witte , the Sea Bosphorum mare . where ouer the yong Cowe was caryed .

But so soone as it falleth into that narrowe channell , running a little towarde the Northe : at length breaketh forthe into the continente as far as Propontis , neare which many kingdomes Propontis . of Asie doe lye héere and there within the lande , and bendeth to the Southe butting foorthe in length and bredth lykest an Isthmus . But when it is come too Bosphorus , it gathereth it selfe togyther in a narrowe fourme , and maketh the narrowest Sea of all . In the which is to bée séene a straunge sighte . Certayne greate rockes swimming A straunge fight . vppon the toppe of the water , whych when they méete , cause a great and terrible noyse , thence running foorth towardes the East , anone groweth into a great Sea.

And there are séene also dyuers smal braunches thereof , partly running to the East , partly towardes the Northe , twixt two Promontaries rysing from Two promontaries . one roote , whereof the one towarde the Southe is called Charambus , the Charambus . other whych bendeth to the North , towards Europe , for the roughnesse and raggednesse therof , is called the Rams The ram●●● head . head . These Promontaries althoughe they stande ryght ouer agaynst other , and appeare a farre off , as though they grewe nightogither , yet stande they so far a sunder , as a shippe is able to sayle Their distance . betwéene in thrée dayes in the spring of the yeare . After that this Sea séemeth to be cut , and fashioned into the maner of an halfecircle , and runneth one way into Pontus , another into Maeotis , Pontus . Maeotis . Charambus . nowe el Ma●negro The middle is Charambus at whose right hande , the waye lyeth open to those that trauel into Pontus . At the lefte hande , the head or brow which there ryseth , sheweth playnly into Maeotis , which croking like a payre of Maeotis . The hornes why so called ? hornes , not altogyther vnlike the horns of a bowe , is not amysse called by that name , and for naught appeareth not into Maeotis , being continually beaten with his waues . This is that same ●en , aboute whome the Scythes doe dwell , The Scythae . The mother of Pontus . and which they call the mother of Pontus , chiefly bycause from thence muche water runneth thereinto , which for the Cimerius Bosphorus . most parte commeth forthe of Cimerius Bosphorus , & many other places , which do so fyll the marish , that it is not able to conteyne it . About which also many nations of Cimeria inhabite , whyche are directly vnder the cold foote of Taurus . Cimeria . Taur' colde .

¶ The description of Lybia or Affrica .

AFtter that we haue intreated of the thréefold diuision of the earth , and of the measure and circuite of the Oceane , with his boundes & diuersitie of names : héereafter we purpose to speake of the situation and fourme of the earth , beginning first ( as before ) with Libya . Libya . The forme of the earth . Libya . therfore lyeth foorth towarde the south , and east , in the lykenesse of a certain table , beginnyng at Gades , nowe Caliz , where the Ocean is most mayn & déepe , Gades . and stretcheth forth to the Arabike sea , and approcheth nigh that countrey , whiche is in the vttermost part of Asia , and bringeth foorthe partely the Ethiops or Moores , partly the Erembes . This countrey , Aethiopes . Erembes . bycause it bringeth foorth menne spotted lyke Lybardes , of sundry dispositions , the Grecians called it Pardaler , that is to say a Libards skinne , it is for the greater parte of it , a very drye and roughe countreye , and in dyuers places couered with blacke spots lyke seales . But the other vayne , whiche reacheth vnto the Columnes of Mauritania , Mauritania . is muche more ciuile and plentyfull : Nexte vnto that is Numidia , then the Numidia . kyngdomes of Massilians . by whom ( report goeth ) the Citie Massilia was buylded : Massilia . A sauage kynde of people , and altogether inexperte of Husbandrye , not knowyng what a Plowe doth meane , but wholly wandryng in wooddes and Forrestes , doo lyue by maste , and praying on Venyson , after the manner of wylde beastes . Too these ioyne the Carthagians , bendyng in lyke a bowe , Carthagians . whose noble Cittie , as menne saye , was buylded by Dido , when that shée Dido of Carthage . Phoenicia . Syrtes . departed oute of Phoenicia , by the compasse of an Oxe hyde . So foorth next lye the Syrtes , wythin the mayne lande . But more towardes the Easte , are séene the shelfes of Asie , farre larger than the other , and much more dangerous wyth heapes of sandes . Where as , when the Tyrrhene sea once hath raged , and is caulmed agayne , there are founde suche heapes , as though greate mountaynes of sande were broughte thyther by the water . In the middest almoste , of whiche Sandes , there standeth a Citie , whyche the Gréekes , in fore tyme called Neapolis , nowe Mahometa , Neapolis . and inhabited by the people that were called Lotophagi , nowe Los Lotophagi . Chelbens , a Nation verye friendlye too straungers , whyche in tymes past receyued Vlysses wyth verye gentle and Vlysses . curteous entertaynmente .

Aboute this Countreye are founde manye deserte and forlorne dwellynges , after that the Nasamonij were Nasamonij ▪ why destroyed . thoroughly destroyed , the whych sometyme dydde there inhabite , and were slayn , as some wryters affirme , by Ausonius , the sonne of Iupiter , whose father Ausonius . they had contemned .

The Asbystae bée borderers to these , Asbystae . inwards to the continent lande , where within the thickest of the Sands standeth the Temple of the god Lybicus , The god Lybicus . commonly knowne . Also the citie Cyrene , commonly Corena , the brooder of good horses : and the ancient seat of the people Amyclaei nere whom the Marmaridae do Amyclaei . Marmaridae . Getuli . Negretae . Pharusij . Caramentes . Aethiopes . lye , towards Egypt , and the Getuli , and their borderers the Nigretes . Then the Pharusij . nowe Asenagi and the Garamantes not farre from them . And last of all the Aethiopes lying hard to the Ocean , and almost extreme in temperature . But ouer against them wher the Blemij Blemij . inhabite , there riseth an hill , whereout Nilus runneth , and so foorth procéedyng Nilus riseth . eastward , toward the Aethiopes , is termed of them Syrus . Afterward , running Syrus . into Egypte , when it is come to the citie Syena is first called Nilus by the inhabitants Siene . there . From thence it runneth into the north , and at length diuideth it selfe into many partes , and floweth into the sea , with seuen streames ouerflowing al Egypt by the waye , and replenishing it with greate and wonderfull fertilitie . And truely there is no one riuer in that part of the world comparable with that , A notable commendation of Egypt . eyther in widenesse , plentie of water , or other commodities . This same is the bound whiche parteth halfe Affrike from Asie . leauing Affrike on the southe syde , and Asie on the Easte . This is the same Egypt which hath always brought forth notable men of sundrie and incomparable wits . For as antiquitic doth recorde , the Egyptians were the firste men , and The Egyptians firste men . they first prescribed the fourme and discipline of life and manners , who first also found out the vse of the plough , plowing of the lande , and sowing of the séede . The same were they whiche firste tooke Fynders out of Astronemy . the measure of Heauen with an instrument , and inuented the oblyque course of the Sunne and Moone in the Zodiacke , and whiche firste founde out this knowledge of Cosmographi● , whereby the countrie hath deserued no smal commendation . Besides all this , there is no lande whiche surpasseth it in plentie of all things , eyther in aboundance of herbage and corne , or in greatnesse , or beautie of building . The fourme whereof is caused by the lying of the sides , for it is br●●de and wyde towardes the Northe , but narower in the East & butteth forth ●●opewise to the Syenes . and intrenched Syenes . Nilus . wyth two hilles , betwéene whome Nylus runneth . This is the same Egypt , whiche in tymes past ● nourished vp so many noble and , 〈…〉 , so many puissant princes , and that chiefe is , in whome stoode that moste auncient citie Thebes , with hi● hundred gates . Wher Thebes it is also sayde , that Memnon the wyse king was went to salute his mother Aurora . Memnon . Which nourisheth also them whiche Aurora . Heptapolis . inhabited the Inlande , Heptapolis and those which do dwell on the coast of the south sea ; toward the marish Serbonis , Serbonis . where on the west , lyeth the most famous citie , sometyme founded by Alexander Alexander . king of Macedoma , called Alexandria . And where that wonderful temple Alexandria . Sinopita . of Iupiter of Sinopita ▪ standeth ▪ much spoken of , and hery ●●●●ou●●y builded , with m●●● preci●●se metals , of al kinds . Touching this citie , it is constantly adnouched ; that there is none in the earth , of more excellencie , none more worthy admiration , none richer , or more happy for all things Where also , the goodly high ●ops of Pallenis ▪ from whence ●●uellers Pallenis . commyng a farre of● may be espied , be di 〈…〉 , nere the rockye Hills 〈…〉 , the Towne Cassiotis . Peleus , is erected , whose inhabitaunts Peleus . ●●e s● experte in the arte of sayling , that ●● the other people of Libya , they be reputed rather Gods than men . These dwell aboute the mouth of seuenfolde Nilus . There be moreouer many other peoples , and nations , diuersly dispersed ●● that countrey , wherof some be caste back ( as it were ) to the Oceane sheare , ●●●●e dwell within the land , replenishing ●●s same with many excellent faire buildings . Diuerse a●● inhabite the shoare of the lake Triton , whiche runneth also Triton . through the middest of Libya into the sea .

The Situation of Europe .

HEreafter ensueth the situation of Europe , whiche differeth not muche in forme from Libya , but that it bendeth a litle to the north , and likewise retourneth againe , and ioyneth to the ende of South Libya , and butte bothe in one ●●nner sorte on Asie , the one reaching foorthe to the extreame parte of the North , the other to the South . But to speake more plainly , howe it lyeth : it is so , that at the head it séemeth sharpe poynted , lyke the pointe of a triangle , waxing alwayes narrower towards the West , and encreasing in widnesse much in the East . By vnderstanding whereof , we shall the better perceyue what bounds it hath , howe farre they stretche , and what dominions , and countries it conte●neth . Wherefore , I will begin at the ●●per side , which reacheth forth to Hercules Hercules Pillers . Hiberi . pillers , where firste of all , the Hiberi dwell , a people very proude , & high minded . Nexte towards the Northe , are the Britannes then the Germanes , whose bodyes Britannes . Germans . are white , and faire , and naturally giuen to warres , possessing the countrye The forest Equinus . Boia . nexte to the forest Equinus . And not farre off , Boia appeareth , both large and wyde , so called , of the lykenesse it hathe to an Oxe hyde . So tourning to the Mountes Pyrrhenaei . Eridanus . Celtae . Heliades . A fable . Phaeton . mounts Pirrhenaei , towards the floud Eridanus , the Celtae inhabite , where ( as fables testifye ) the sisters Heliades , beeing oppressed with immoderate sorowe , for the death of their brother Phaeton , continued so long in wéeping , that so con●i●●●ed with heauinesse , they were all conuerted into a precious kynde of A●●er trées , still sheading teares . Which ●●ares , are often , and diligently wyped away by the Celtae , there dwelling , and are turned into Amber lyke Golde , and a● harde as a stone . After , ensueth Tyrrhenia Tyrrhenia . at the Northe syde whereof the Alpes begin to arise , forth whereof , the Rhyne , a greate and large streame , issueth , The Rhyne . But before that I passe to Tyrrhenia . I muste fyrste speake of the ryuer Rhenus , or the Rhyne , whether he passeth to the boundes of Europe . The Rhyne therefore , rysing , as we haue sayde , oute of the Alpes , fyrste seuereth the Celtae from the Germans , and runneth Celt● . Germans . into the Northerne Oceane , with a large chanell . But before that he come ●ighe the Sea , out of his springs , he engendreth the riuer Ister among the Sueui , Ister . Swe●i . which maketh all that cuntrie nauigable , for trafike of marchandise . This riuer Ister running toward the east , is encreased with many other waters , and so runneth forward fomie and misty , nere Pe●ce , through 〈…〉 ●ightie ch●●●●l● into the sea 〈…〉 the north : it 〈…〉 ●iue 〈…〉 countries , vntil● it ▪ 〈…〉 to the ●oot●● ▪ of fen●e Maeous . ● For first it 〈…〉 the ▪ Germanes , and after ●●●i●●th 〈…〉 Sarmatae now● 〈…〉 ●● p●sseth Sarmatae . Getae . Basterne● . by the Ge●es , and Bast●●●●s ▪ which●●●● towarde the O●ean● ▪ ● ▪ fulfilleth ▪ the country of Dacia with plentie , 〈…〉 Dacia . ningth roughe the mi●●●st of the Alani Alani . Tauri . and T●uri , gyueth ●●●sage for shippe● throughe the 〈…〉 lande 〈…〉 ●yche ●●u●● inhabiting that hye country , ●o● ▪ time parte of 〈…〉 race , possess● ▪ a A●chilles . na●o●● , howbeit ●●o●g ▪ pi●●● of lande ▪ stretching to the ●●o●●●● the 〈…〉 whose ●eig●bour●s 〈…〉 the Alan● as ●e haue sayde , 〈…〉 ●● 〈…〉 ●●●● Melanchleni Hippemologi . Neuri . Hippopodes . Gelones . Agathyrsi . with horses . Vnt● t●●se ▪ 〈…〉 the ▪ Melan●●leni , the H●ppemolo●i ▪ the Ne●●● ▪ the Hippopodes ▪ the Gelones ▪ and A●●●●●●si ▪ with moe , in ●i●w● whe●●● of it is stra●nge to s●● howe that ▪ al● moste infinite of nations possesse that vtter parte of Europe , from whence ▪ the Borysthenes . ryuer Borystenes gliding forth within a kenning of the Rammes browe , directly ouer agaynst Cyane , falleth into the Cyane . Aldelcus . sea Euxinum , also Aldescus , and Penticapes , with great murmur and noyse , fall Penticapes . down from the hils Rhipae● , whose streams Rhipaei . running néere to the frosen sea ( for thither they run ) cary down with them an orient kind of metal , halfe golde , halfe amber , in colour not vnlike to the purple Amber found glyttering beams of the moone when the firste riseth : they engender also the diamond . This water also washeth the Diamondes founde . shore of the Agathi●●● , whiche of the rest are most northerly , but on the south side are the Gerrae , and Norici : also the Pannonij , Gerrae ▪ Norici ▪ Pannonij . Mysi . Thraces . the Mysi and Thraces , but the Mysi lie more to the north than the Thraces which dwell scattred here and there in a wyde countrie , partely inhabiting the S●a coa●t of Propontis , partely cast Propontis . Hellespontus Agaeu● . Pallenae . forth to ▪ Hellespontus and partly also to Agaeum , where about the tops of Pallenae , which floweth with hony , the precious stome of gret price , called Asterius , doth Asterius . grow , nothing inferioure in shewe to a glyttering starre , or a flaming fyre , by 〈…〉〈…〉nt whereof it was ●o named . moreouer , there lye many other countries vnder this heauenly constitution ▪ or in this tract of the earth , dwelling all nigh to Ister called also Danubius receyuing Ister . Danubius . great commoditie by trauelling on the water , whose names were superfluous to recite . It remayneth therefore nowe that we speake of another part of Europe , whyche lying foorthe in thr●● shoares , reacheth forthe into the East , whereof the Hiberi possesse parte , the Greekes parte , the Italians parte . The Hiberi . Greks . Italians . Hiberia . Libes . Tartessus . furthermoste ●id● of Heberia , lyeth to the Ocean , there where one of the pillers is to be séene , set in by Libes , erected beneath the mounte Tartessus , the countrie where about is verie rych and plentiful vnto whom the Cempsi be adherent Cempsi . dwelling at the foote of the mountaynes Pyrrhenei . Consequently we come to Pyrrhenei . Hilles . Italy . Italy , whome a greate hie hill stretching forthe , and cutting it through straight , high in the middle , and low on each side , after the maner of the beame of a payre of balence , compasseth in about round , to the great beutifying & wonderfull strengthning of the countrie . There can no man that is skylful in building , when be séeth it , denie , but that it was a maruellous Italy framed by Minerua . piece of worke framed by Minerua , for ornature and strengthe of the countrie , béeing compassed therewyth as wyth a crowne . The inhabitantes call it the hil Apoeninus , which rysing at the Alpes Apoeninus . Lumbardy . Heluetia . whiche deuideth Lumbardie from Heluetia , runneth forth towards the North , as farre as the Sicilian ▪ Sea , within which , many countries & peoples do dwell , whose names I cannot easly rehearse . But the first of them are Tyrrheni , dwelling on Tyrrheni . the side whiche lyeth twixt Northe and Pelasgi . West , togither with the people Pelasgi , which running into Italy out of Cylene , Cylene . ar reported to haue setled with the Tyrrheni in the same place . Ne●te to these Latini . are the Latini , a glorious kynde of people , verie plentifull with goodnesse of soile and excellencie of wits , through the myddle wherof , the ryuer Tyberis runneth , Tyberis . watering all the countrie aboute , and is at length receyued into a calme bosome of the Sea , at the towne called Hostia , the heade and principall ryuer of Hostia . al other , deuiding the noble and mightie Citie Rome , the chiefe sea and dwelling Rome . place of our kings , and heade of all the worlde . Then followeth Compania ▪ a Campania . pleasant countrie , & of other most plentiful , where the temples of Parthenope . Parthenope . are to be séene , who ( as fame goth ) was friendly receyued out of that strayt sea ▪ Towards the south , vnder the hil Serenis Serenis . Silarus . Lucani . Bretij . Leucopetra . runneth the ryuer Silaris of Surrhentū now Sur●ento , where the Lucani and Bretij dwell , so far as Leucopetra , from whence northerly , & by west somwhat , the Locri be planted , who long ago comming Locri. A●●ica . forth of A●●ica into Italy , & being in loue with the plesantnesse of the countries , ioyned ( as is sayd ) in fellowship & frendship with the people of that place , building a citie there , which they called after their owne name , whose stock a● yet remaine th●near vnto the ryuer Alex ▪ Alex. Metapontini . Beyond them lythe Metapontini ▪ whose citie is now called Relie●● , & notsar off them , the flourishing city Crotona now Crotona . Cr●tone ▪ ●igh to the riuer Sarum , wher the renouined temple of Iuno , of Lacinia Iuno of Lacinia . Sybaris . now Cabo do Colone is builded : and vnfu●tunate Sybaris , is reported to haue mourned , bicause of Iupiters displeasure against hir citizens , for vsing reprochfull wordes in the sacrifice of Alpheus ▪ Alpheus . Samnites . Marsi . Tarentini But the Samnites are more within the land , and the Marsi , which in running are verie quicke of foote . The Tarentini whose countrie nowe Taranto , stand● nearer the shore , possessing there a town , founded in times past by destruction of the Amyclaei . To whom ●oyn the Calabri Amycle● . Cal●br● of apex stock . Hyrus . of the stocke of Iapix , reaching forth ▪ ●● Hyrus , which lieth to the sea . And the ●●● . Adriaticum beginneth to increase ●● ▪ Aquilia , now Algar castelium ▪ & the citie ▪ Aquilia . Tergestini . of the Tergestini now Trieste ▪ lying at the extreme 〈…〉 , but when it turnet● eastward thence , first it li●keth the shore Liburni . of the Liburni ▪ & afterwarde beateth on all that countrie ▪ oppressed with great darknesse , which lieth nigh 〈◊〉 , & Istm●● . Bulemei . so running to the shore of the Bulemei , so●●nly stretcheth forth with a verie large ●hane● & 〈…〉 the Illirici ▪ now Sc●auoni , Illirici . Ceraunij . & 〈…〉 the high mountain Ceraunij ▪ in which place are seene certaine ancient monuments after the maner of spires or pinacles , set vp as is taught by The fable of cadmu● . Cadmus , and Hermione his wife , who Cadmus . béeing both come to extreame olde age , departed thyther from Ismenus , where Ismenus . they were transformed into serpents . There is also séene in the same place , an other straunge wonder . For there be two pillers set , directly eche againste other , A wonder . who so soone , as any daunger approcheth the people dwellyng nigh , do both méete , whith suche violence , as though they fought . At the south , a little on thys side Thracia , and beyond Horitia , a parte Thracia . Horitia . Hellas . of Graecia , that parte called Hellas , entreth with an hard rising , and a daungerous accesse , by reason of two sharpe Seas Aegaeum , and the straighte Siculum . As also for two winds , vnto whome it lyeth very bleate , the Hesperian or Sicilian wynde , whiche is West , and the Southeaste , whiche bloweth from the sea Aegaeum . Hereafter ensueth Pelops Ilande , called also Peloponesus , nowe Pelops Iland ●a Moren , whiche differeth not much in forme from a Playn trée leafe . For it is broad in the beginning , and endeth with a sharp corner . At the farthest poynt towards the north , it resembleth a certain narowe Isthmus , & is ( as it were ) ioyned and fastened to Hellas , and intrenched Hellas . round on euery other side , with the sea , Triphylis . where on the west parte , the lande Triphylis lyeth , continually moystned with the plesant streames of the riuer Alpheus . Alpheus . Whiche béeing as it were cut of , by the waters Mes●enius , and Eurotas , doo Mes●enius . Eurotas . séeme neyther of them to flowe oute of any sea , but rather to spring out of the inner bowels of the earth . Alpheus parteth the lande of the Clij . Eurotas passeth Clij . A miclaei . Erymanthus . Arcades . Melas . Crathis . Iaon . Ladon . Argiui . Lacones . through the Amyclaei . In the middle of the Ilande , in a valley , at the foote of the hil Erimanthus , dwel the Arcades , From which hill Melas , Crathia , and Iaon , thrée riuers do fall , and also auncient Ladon . Nexte vnto these , are the Argiui , and Lacones , whose countreis lye , one to the east , an other to the southe . The sides of this Isthmus , as is well knowne , are beaten with two seas , one on the East parte , an other on the West , vntill it drawe nearer , and narower aboute the places called Sacronida . But in syghte Sacronida . of this same Isthmus , called Pelopone●us , and towarde the east syde thereof , boundeth the noble kingdome of A●●ica . A●●ica . the n●urce and mother of renoumed ●● , and excellente witts , whome the diuine water Ilisus passeth by , where sometime Ilisus . Boreas and Orithya . Boetes . Locri. Thessalia . Macedonia . Emeus . Epirus Dodonea . Aetolia . ( as Poets do fable ) Boreas , state away his louer Orithya There do the Boetes , and the Locri inhabite . After this Thessalia and Macedonia are discouered , the●e where the snowye toppes of Emeus , in Thracia may be séene . Ouer directly against that , towards the Weste Epirus Dodonea butteth foorth , very long and large , and so do the Aetolia towards the South , through whose middle floweth Achelous . Tinacria . Echinadae l●an●s . Cephalleni . Phocis . the riuer Achelous with his siluer sands into the straytes of Tinacria , deuiding the Ilands called Echinadae , néere vnto the citties of the Cephalleni . Eastward , lyeth the countrey Phocis , whiche stretcheth along to the North , vnto the mouth of the Thermopylae , vnder the toppe of Thermopilae Parnaius . Zephisus . snowy Parnaius . Out of whose middle , the riuer Zephisus runneth foorthe of a rocke , & féedeth the countrey nigh , wyth perpetuall moysture . Then followeth the lande Phiton , wonderously abounding Phiton . with diuerse ●● straunge●dori●erous fauours . Where the Dragon of The dragon of Delphos . Delphos at Diotripodes , lyeth slayne , within the walles of the temple , at this day , horrible to be séene , for multitude and greatnesse of scales . Where Apollo Apollo . as often as occasion serued hym to trauaile from the Iles of Miletum , nowe Miletum Clarum . Melasar , or Clarum , was wont to rest hymself , and put off his golden quyuer .

And thus muche is sufficient to haue declared , as briefly as we coulde , the situation , and countreyes of Europe , and how the same lyeth , in respect of other partes of the worlde .

Of the Ilands in Europe .

OVre purpose nowe , is to intreate of the Ilands whiche be in Europe before that we come to any other part of the world , to describe it , which in widenesse contayneth almost the other twayne . Wherefore , to begin where Europe f●●●●e lifteth vp his head , and Hercules pillers be erected , and deuide Libya from other parts , the Ocean running betwéene : Gadira , Gadira . first commeth to hande . For that being in times past possessed by the Phoenices , Gadira . which worshipped Hercules , was called of them Gadira , for before it was called Phoenices . not Gadira , but Contimissa , by the Hiberi . Ne●te followe the Iles Gimnesiae , the nearest whereof is called Bausus . The Contimissa . Hiberi . Gymnesiae . Bausus . Baleares . other twain are called Baleares , for stinging , wherin the people there are much exercised . Whereof the one and bigger nowe Mallorea , hath in it the citie Tirracona nowe Tarragona , the other and lesser now Menorca , the citie Barcilona now Barchino lying to the North. Then followe Tarracona . Sardinia nowe Sardegne , and néere Barcilona . to that Cirnus lying bothe almoste direct ouer against Ostia , wherof the one which Sardinia . is Corsica , standeth a great deale higher Cirnus . Ostia . Corsica . and is mere inacce●●ible , enuironed partly with high and craggy clyffes and rockes , partely with a mightie roughe wood , bothe of them verie good , for fruitfulnesse of soyle , and plentie of dyuers commodities growing in the countrie . Consequently , there appeare certayne Ilandes , standing rounde , which beeing once in the hands of king Hippota , which dwelte there , a most friendly king vnto straungers , were by him named Aeolides . Aeolides . The same , for the excellente vertues wherewith he was endued , ( for be surmounted in godlinesse , and curtefie ) was reported to haue obteyned of the gods , that he shold not only be lord ouer those Ilands , which are seuen in numbre , but also be ruler of the winds , where euer they blew , on any nauigable sea . These Ilands also be called Plociae of the Greks . Plociae . But there is none nearer vnto these , than Tinacria , called also Sicilia , standing Tinacria . Sicilia . in sight of Italy , and defended with thrée famous promontories , whereof one is called Pachynus , nowe Cabo Pacino , standing Pachynus . to the Easte , and hath at the foote , the noble citie Syracuse , nowe Saragosa Syracuse . de Sicilia , in foretime , a greate and stout seate of tyrants . The other is called Pelorus , Pelorus . which standeth northerly , and looketh to Italy , to whome the cittie Messana Messans . now Missetia , adioyneth . The thirde promontorie is Lilybaeus , arising against Lilybaeus . the surges of the west winde , and sea , where standeth also a cittie of the same name . But as touching , sayling from Pelorus , which lyeth towardes Italy : it is very daungerous , and almost present death : for the course is very narrow and crooked , & the sea kept within the straite not withoute greate force and violence : for the streame is there swallowed vp in voyde and déepe caues ( which as some saye ) were made by Eonius and Neptunus , Eonius . Neptunus . and there roreth and rageth with moste horrible bellowings . Forth of Sicilia Southerly is the passage into Lybia at the begynning of one of the Syrtes . The other is quickly perceyued , in looking toward the shoare of Italy : In sight wherof , we may espie two Ilands , one Menix , the other Gortina , whiche are in Menix . Gortina . maner of an hauen into Lybia . In the elbowe of the sea Adriaticum , at the left hande towardes Iapygium , ryseth an Ilande , Iapygium . Diomedes . wherein bicause Diomedes sometyme had buylded , and possessed it , was Diomedea . called of him Diomedea . Whether ( as the fame goeth ) that valiant gentleman béeing driuen in a flaw , by force of wind and tyde , with certaine prisoners of the Hiberi , continued there through the enticement of a wicked woman , called Aegialaea . Aegialaea . Towarde the East afarre off , is there a course open to the Ilands of Absyrtes . Absyrtes . where ( as reporte goeth ) certaine men , whiche trauayled from Colchos , Colchos . Medea . brake in , whyle they pursued Medea , then running from them . Néere vnto these , the Lyburnides are planted . And Liburnides . towarde the Southe , behinde the crags of the Mounte Ceraunius , there are certein Ceraunius . Ilandes discouered , which they call Amphraciae . Ther is also Corcyra , now Amphraciae . Corcyra . Corfu , to be séene , a riche and plentyfull Iland , the noble and renoumed kyngdome of aunciente Alcinous , and néere Alcinous . Neritia . Ithaca vlisses countrey . neyghbour to Neritia in Ithaca , a pleasaunt laye and countrey to Vlysses , with diuers other lying here and there , which the Riuer Achelous , whyle hée passeth Achelous . Chaleis . from Chalcis , compasseth and watereth .

There bée many also towardes the Northe , whereof Aegyla is one and Aegyla . Cythera . Caluaria . Carpathos . Creta . Cythera an other , and Caluaria and on the other syde towardes the Weaste , Carpathos . Also Creta , nowe called Candia , whyche lyeth not farre off , a goodly Ilande , and a plentyfull , and nurse to the great god Iupiter , abunding in fruit and pasture , and flowing wyth excellent good witnesse , in whiche standeth the famous wood Ida. florishing with Ida. odiferous & soote cypers trées . It containeth many faire cities , and also prouinces not a fewe , which in foretime were al gouerned by that good olde king Minos . King Minos Rhodos . Ouer against that lyeth the Ilande Rhodos ; which was also builded by the Egiptians , and somtime a worthie colonie Ialisij . Chelidoniae . Patareis . Cyprus . Pamphylia . Venus Dodo nea . Phaeoicia . Dyados . Suniados . Abantes . Salamina . Aegyna . of the Ialisij . But at the East lye the Chelidonlae , these be thrée , lying against the top of Patareis , nowe Patera . Also Cyprus in the bosome of Pamphilia , somtime the acceptable kingdome of Venus Dodonea . And not farre from Phaenicie standeth Dyados , within the large widnesse thereof , and in sight of the hi● Sunrados , aboue the Abantes , Salamina may be descried , and so maye Aegina ▪ where the Sea Aegaeum is founde to be of a maruellous depth , although there be in it an innumerable sorte of Ilandes , diuersly dispersed , disposed in such strange order , that they séeme almost there rather planted by arte than by nature . They reache forthe vnto Hellespontus , Hellespontus . nowe el far de Gallipoli , where as on the lefte hand at the ende of Europe , standeth Sestos , and on the right hand ouer-againste Sestos . Abydos . it Abydos where Asie beginneth bothe towarde the North , places very muche renoumed● or two Louers , Leander and Hero , who dwelled there , Leander , and Hero. whose earnest desire could not be quenched in so small a streame , but that Lēander must often attempt , escaping also as often the daunger , to swimme ouer that narrowe cutte by nyghte , vntill at last he was offered a wofull present to his sorowfull louers eyes , miserably cast vp deade vppon the shore . Nowe to Europe ward standeth Macris , in old Macris . Scyros . Peparenthos . Lemnos . time builded by the Abantes , then Scyros , and Peparethos , verie muche obiect to the winde . And not far thence Lemnos , nowe Sidrio Vulcanes kingdome , and auncient Thasos , nowe Taxo , that Thasos . Ceres . Imbri . worshippeth Ceres . Then the Imbri , nowe Stalimin , from whence the famous Thracia , is immediatly discouered . And Samos nowe Samo , an auncient Samos . Lyrbantes . colonie of the Lyrbantes . But they whyche possesse the veris first entrance and brow of Asie , dwelling round about Delos , bycause they stand in such Delos . ●●euite , are termed by the Grecians Cyclades , who all are dedicated to Apollo , Cyclades . Apollo . making sacri●●ee vnto him , and leding daunces , chiefly at the entrance of the spring , when the Nyghtingale beginneth to sing vpon the top of the hils . These Ilandes stand so scattred , shewing themselues here and there in many places of the Sea , like brighte shyning starres in the cleere skye , vnto whyche the Ionides , nowe surquestan be borderers , Ionides . Caunos . Samos . where also Caunos standeth , and Samos nowe Samos , the moste pleasant seale of ●uno Pelasgos . Nexte standeth Chios now Chio at the foote of the high Chios . hill Pelmeus . Then appeare the clyffes of Pelmeus . Aeolus Ilands Lesbos and Tenedos . Aeolus Ilandes , Lesbos now Metelina , and Tenedos nowe Tenedo , raysed a great heigth out of the water , forthe of whom ryse two ryuers Melas and Colphus , Melas . Colphus . Propontis . and runne into Hellespontus , and there about to the North , the Sea Propontis is enlarged and wydned on euery side , and there at the entrance of the Sea Euxinum , towarde the lefte hande A fable . there is an other famous Ilande séene , whiche in times past was an auncient dwelling of noble and worthie Gentlemen . For the report goth , that the soule of Achilles and other valiant men , doe wander in the deserts and craggie places of those huge mountaines , hauing obtayned for a rewarde of the Goddes , in consideration of their excellent vertues , to be immortalized , for so much as vertue is immortall , and néedes muste obtayne immortall glorie . This Iland of which we entreate , bycause it bringeth forth cattel al white , the Grecians call it Leuca . And there is an other not Leucus . far from the same , large and of a greate circuite , which vnto those that sayle the rea die way into Cimerius Bosphorus , Cimerius . Bosphorus . appeareth before the rest ouer agaynst the fennes Maeotis , lying on the ryghte hande .

The same is it in whiche Phenagora Phenagora . Hermonassa Ionij . and Hermonassa , two Cities are builded , whiche the Ionij who builded them do possesse . And these be al the Ilands which are of any name or renoume , lying wyth the Leuant Seas , so farre as wée coulde haue any vnderstanding of them . Notwithstanding , for asmuch as in the large Ocean , ther are many conteined in bignes●e , commodities , or ●ame nothing inferiour to ours : I thought it vnséemly to passe them ouer with silence .

Of the Ilandes in the Oceane .

WHerfore I will firste speak of that The Atlanticum sea . Erythia . which lyeth in the middle of the Atlanticum sea , called of the Grecians Erythia , now Berlingas , a very faire Ilande , and aboundyng with cattell , endued with such benignitie of ayre , that it preserueth the lyues of men vnto very many yeres , and maketh them almost immortall . The Ethiops , which be nygh , inhabite Aethiopes . the same , who came fyrst thither ( as they say ) after that Hercules had s●ayne Hercules . slewe Gerione . the Gyant Geryone , But at the very top of Europe , which the inhabitantes call Sacrum , that is to saye holy , the famous Ilandes , called Hesperidum insulae , are Hesperidum insulae . descryed : Of whome it is not altogither fabulously spoken , that they yelded euery yeare golden apples . Since of truth they be very rich , in plentie of gold , and bring forth welnigh , all kinde of metal , in great abundaunce . The Hiberi , their Hiberi . neyghboures haue them in possession . And not farre off but somwhat more toward the north , the Iles of Britannia are Britannia praysed . Rhenus . séene , ouer agaynst the mouth of Rhenus , or Rhine , very large , and surpassing the rest in wydene●se : neyther is there any one , to whome it is inferiour in any kynde of wealthe , store of cattaile , or varietie of people . Ther is also found in vaines of the earth , moynes of tinne , lead and brasse of diuers sorts . Also plentie of golde and siluer , with yron , brimstone , saltpeter , bitumen , and such like . And among many kinds of cattaile and rudder bea●tes , wherof they haue plentie , certain beastes of so soft and fyne a fléese , that it maye be easily drawne so small , till it be comparable to a spyders webbe . They bréede also many horses , not vnapt for labour . But where it bendeth more to the weast , turnyng ( as it were ) a brow or point to Hiberia , which Hiberia . Hibernia commended is now called Hibernia , that is Ireland , inhabited once by the people Hiberi . The same bringeth forth more store of horses , and th●se of suche nature , that they séeme rather naturally to haue lerned to walke with a pleasant & séemely pace , and to moue themselues forward with protestation and state after the maner of & guise princes . Within the earth is found a lumpie masse of mould , mixt with sulphur , much like to coale , which the Smithes and generally all the countr●e ▪ and their borderers nigh vnto them , do vse for their fire . The countrie bringeth forth no venomous beast , nor fostreth any . The people are very stoute , and apte to warres , who being of body faire and tall , sturdie of lym , and beutifull of hue , are no deale behind in wit , and promptnesse of tong . There are also not farre distant from these other Ilandes , as namely the Amitae , worshippers Amitae . of Bacchus , in which the wines of the most worthy and substanciall men , being crowned with garlandes of ●uie , with the b●rries hanging downe in knots about them , do ●sape and spring , as though they were aprehended with furie , crying on Bacchus with a loud voice , Bacchus . and doing hym sacrifice in the nighte , according as ●s the custome . For the inhabitantes on the shore of the lake Biston Biston . in Thracia , do cal accustomably on their God Bacchus , in no more solemne sorte . Neyther the Indian children , at the ryuer Ganges do daunce with more Ganges . shryll noyse , than these women of whom I speak , do clatter , shout , and sing when they celebrate the feastes of Bacchus , and say their deuotions while they be dauncing . But not farre from this Ilande there lyeth an other , whiche is called the farthest Tile , where as when Tile . the hote somers Sun approcheth to the northern Pole , their nyghtes be like vnto perpetuall daye , in fairenesse and brightnesse , vntill he return● agayne to the South . From thence if a man sayling towards Scythia turne his shippe to the East , he shall fynde Chrysia , Scythia . Chrysia . whiche is an other Ilande of the Ocean , in the whiche also the Sunne shyneth very clearly : then if he returne him contrarie to the ●outh , immediatly he shall discouer Taprobana , a great and Taprobana . large Iland , and plentifully replenished with all maner riches , and a brooder of many Elephants , which from thence are transported into Asie . This same is especially dedicated to Venus , and to hir doth sacrifice . They lye directely vnder the lyne of Cancer , which is ouer theyr Cancer . heades , a very hot and burning signe , continually turning about , and almoste burning vp the countreye with heate . They haue whales in their seas , and fyshes Whales and great fishes . of inestimable bignesse , which feeding fyrst in the redde sea , afterwardes doe come thyther , monstrous thynges in déede , and of such greatnesse , that they come to the shoare lyke great mountaines . Their backes are very sharpe , with long rewes of finnes . They be very hurtfull vnto children , if they chance to méete any vpon the shoare : And not vnto them onely , but vnto others also . For none can well escape theyr iaws , yf they may once sée them . Whose deformed mouthes are of suche wydenesse , that dyuers tymes they deuoure whole shyps with men and all . Which wofull plague is thoughte to chaunce vnto menne for none other cause : but God plageth diuers ways . onely for our offences and wickednesse , whyche whyle wée lyue wandring in thys vale of miserie , God doth reuenge with suche horrible monsters .

Besides this , there is also an other Iland , Aeoli . Ogyris . King Erythrax . Carmanis . called by the Aeolij , Ogyris , an ancient monumente of kyng Erythrax , lying ouer against the Promontorie Carmanis , from which , if a man turne northerly , & to the Persicum sea , he shall by & by Icarus . Tauropola . finde Icarus , wherin Tauropola , the faire temple of Diana , is to be séene , wondrous for antiquitie , but more maruellous of A straunge sighte . the straungenesse of a sighte therin . For there ryseth alwayes a smoke withoute any fyre at all , very dampishe , and hurtfull to those that come néere it . And these bée also the Ilandes whiche are of any name in the Oceane . Howebeit I denye not , but that there be many mo there , whereof some be in the reach Lybicum , some in the sea Asiaticum , also aboute Europe , and within the Oceane . Whereof howebeit many bée habitable , and yelde pleasaunt harbour sometyme to shippes that saile that way : ye● bycause , they haue continued vnrenowmed and vnknowne vnto our countreymen , it was not only harde for me , but also séemed superfluous to declare eyther their names or situation . Wherfore I will nowe speake of Asie .

The description of Asie .

THe plateforme of Asie , being as some men say , of one fashion , and as other say of another : yet is it well knowne , that it resembleth very muche a wedge . For it beginneth with a certaine large bases , or foundation , and so goeth foorth along to the ende , where the pillers of Dionysius whiche was borne at Thebe , Dionysius . Indi . are séene standing , and where the Indi , which dwell in those vttermoste parts : are reposed within the hilles . And also where the riuer Ganges , with his white Ganges . streames , falleth downe to the banks of Nyseum , nigh a large chanell . The same Nyseum . Taurus . is deuided from the mounte Taurus , which is the nearer , and not thought comparable in bignesse to the other , neither in shew lyke vnto it . The same is it , which hath the sea flowing into it , and bearing superioritie therin . The other , which is the wyder , is much mingled with the Ocean : which boyling forth thrée streames , maketh thrée seas , Per●icum , Hircanum , and Arabicum , wherof the last twayne , lye forth to the south . The other reacheth towards the north , and the sea Aphricum to Euxinum , where as there dwell kinds of people almost innumerable , forasmuch as betwéene them bothe , there lyeth a great Isthmus , conteyning a very large plot of ground . But the mounte Taurus which as I haue said diuideth the whole through the middle , beginneth at Pamphilia , Pamphilia , and stretcheth forth to the Indie , which rising in some places into greater heigth than other , and turning on bothe sydes , much like the crookes of a Bulles hornes , whiche is gréedie of his foode , is by similitude thereof called Taurus , that is to saye , a Bull. Out of this mounte there doe aryse almoste infinite springs and waters , whereof some runne East , some West , some North some Southe , which by reson they passe by diuers countreys , are called also by diuers names . Also the mount it selfe , during the spac● of continuance thereof , is not alwayes termed one , the Indi call it Hiamos , the Hiamos . Praenyphates Cragus Parthi , praeniphates , the pamphyli , Cragus , & where it riseth in greatest height it is named Caucasus . But it is no easie Caucasus . matter to declare bothe the names of it , whereby it is notified in dyuers languages , or of the waters therefore flowing . That care take they who inhabite the néere places , it only remayneth to mée , to declare those ryuers and nations , whereof we coulde attayne any lyght of vnderstanding . In recytal whereof , I will not quaile so far as my poore abilitie shall serue me . Wherefore the people of Maeorae , and Sauromatae , Maeotae . Sauromatae . whiche possesse the vppermost parte of Asie , which loketh to the north , come nowe firste vnto hande , that I muste néedes prefer them in this beadroll before all others . These be they whiche dwel about the fennes Maeotis , and discended lineally ( as is sayde ) from the Amazones , for the reporte goeth , that Amazones . when they ranne awaye from theyr countrie , and had pytched their tentes néere the ryuer Thermodon , they companied Thermod● . with the Sauromati , to the intent that the children that were then begotten , shoulde be stout men , and warlike , and so they alwayes continued . They dwell in the middest of a vast and huge wood , full of thycke and bushye trées , through the middle therof , the ryuer Tanais Tanais . nowe Tana , runneth foorth , and falleth into the fenne neare thereto . The same is the water whiche also parteth Europe from Asie , leuing Europe at the West , and Asie at the East . Forth of it run many springs and streames , which falling downe vppon the rockes and valleys of Caucasus , doe cause a greate Caucasus . murmur . But the larger ryuer whiche glydeth forthe through Scythia , and encreaseth The miseries of Scythia . muche towarde the Northe , with wynde and water , carieth downe with it great store of Ise , and muche anoyeth the neare dwellers , making them altogyther vnfortunate . For so soone as the northern wind beginneth to blow , and the colde to encrease , immediately they sée before their eyes their horses and Mules fall downe deade , and their rudder beastes frosen to death , and their cattell which wander in the woods , myserably bidding their Maisters farwel , with their h●eles vpwarde . The men themselues can scarse abyde safe within their inner dennes and houses vnder grounde , but starue togither with their beastes , vnlesse they obserued a tyme , and ioyned their wagons , and departed in hast into some more temperate countries , leauing their owne to the furious North wynde . Such manner of people are they , which are alotted to the countries nigh Tanais , but the people which Tanais . dwell neare to the Sauromatae now Sarmatae , are called Sidi , and Cimmerij and Sidi . Cimmerij . Cercetij . Oretae . Xanthus . Simois . Cercetij , with Oretae , neare to the Sea Euxinum . Also those who as they say , departing from the riuer Xanthus , & Simois , which runneth nigh Abydus , after the destruction of Troy ▪ wer caried thither by contrarie winds , & draue the Achaei thence , Achaei . Eniochi . Zigij . Pelasgi . vnto whom the Eniochi & Zigii are neyghbours , which came also thyther from among the Pelasgi . And at the vttermost extremitie of the sea lie the Tyndaridae , & Tyndaridae . Colchi . the Colchi , which ioyne to Caucasus , who before time came sorth of Egipt , where Caucasus ryseth alofte with high tops , neare to the streyghts of Hyrcanum , wher the riuer Phasis glyding by the backe of Phasis . Circeum . Circeum nowe Circellum , turneth to the Sea Euxinum . But at first it ryseth out of the hill Armenus , whyche passing Armenus . forewarde betwéene the Northe and East , maketh a certayne Isthmus , included within the Seas Caspium , and Euxinum , which the Iberes of late haue Iberes . possessed , those I meane whiche departing once from the mountes Pyrrhenaei , Pyrrhenaei . brake into that part of the East , menn● giuen to warlike affairs , & very hurtful to the Hyrcani their neighboures , with Hyrcani . whome before they haue hadde cruell warres . Then the Tamaritae , who not Tamarit● . onely receyued Bacchus when he returned with victorie whiche he hadde ouer the Indians , but also apoynted vnto him Indi . solemne sacrifice , dauncing roundes aboute their wyne presses , vntill they fome with newe wine . They are girded with thonges of lether , and weare on them buck●kinnes , crying out , eho Bacchus , eho , lyke mad people .

The Sea Caspium commeth neare vnto them , which I truste easly and wyth expedition to discribe if God will giue me grace , not as one that hath séene those places ( by traueling ▪ thether to view the platfourme or situation of them , as many men haue accustomed to doe , whiche thinke there is none other felicitie , but to heape vp ryches by wandring about the worlde , thereby to deck themselues vp wyth Golde , to glyster with Pearles and precious stones , to adorne their Palaces with sumptuous buildings , for so muche as I was neuer instructed by my Parentes in trade of marchandise , ) but like him who from his tender yeares , hath ben brought vp in studie of good learning , whereby it commeth now to passe , that those things whiche are very farre distant , I doe beholde as present , and can conceyue euery place throughly in my mynde and cogitation without any errour .

Of the Sea Caspium .

THe fourme and fashion of the Sea Caspium is suche , that it lyeth almost rounde lyke a circle , for it is most sure that it rysethe from the Ocean , which at the Northe side , beateth vpon the shoare of Scythia from whence running Scythia . foorthe , at fyrste through dese●●es and places vnhabited , stretcheth forthe to the Southe in very narrowe streits , vntill that encreasing more and more in wydenesse , at length it approcheth to the foote of mount Caucasus . This Sea is Caucasus . nauigable , and in that respect very commodious to the countries nigh al times of the yeare , excepting thrée moneths onely , in the whiche when the Northe wynde bloweth , the coast of the Ocean Sea ryseth agaynst it with wonderfull 〈…〉 . It bringeth forthe many things of greate pryce and admyratio● , for among dyuerse other whiche come from thence , are the Chrystall and Iasper Christal and Iasper stones stones , whyche being of the coloure of a ch●●h●eass , is thought to be good agaynste vayne fantasies and feares in the nyght . There dwell nations about it , almoste in number infinite . But to beginne at that syde which lyeth to the north , the fyrst that come to knowlege are the Scythae , nowe ●artar● ; and those Scythae . especially whiche lys to the sea Saturnium , towarde ▪ the mouthe of Caspium . Nexte the Vn● then the Caspij themselues , Vni . Caspij . Albani . Cadesij . and the Albani ▪ who are all of nature wylde and sauage , and gréedie of warre and bloudshed . The Cadesij dwel among the sharpe mountaynes , whose neighbors are the Mardi , and so the Hyr●●● Mardi . Hyrcani . Appi. Mardus . and Appi , whome the riuer Mardus flowing foorth along by , and moystning with his gentle streame , watereth also the Dercebii and the Bactrae ; running betwéene Dercebij . Bactrae . them both , and falling at length into the Sea , Hyrcanum ▪ As for the Bactr●● , they inhabite the countrey , whiche lyeth at the foote of Parnasus , and ●●ghe Parnasus . Dercebii . there aboute . The Dercebij in an other place , are w●kened with beating of the Caspium sea waues . Beyonde whome , towardes , the Cast , on the other syde of Araxis , there dwelleth a people called , Araxis . Messagetae . Massagetae , whose studie is wholly to wearie and consume themselues wyth shootyng , very hurtefall to straungers , and not able to kéepe league of fayth or friendshippe wyth theyr neyghboures . They knowe not the vse of Corne , or Wyne , but they drinke mylke myngled with bloude of horses . More to the Northe dwell the Chorasmi , nexte vnto Chorasmi . Sundia . whome ensueth the lande of Sundia , through the mydst of whych runneth the ryuer Oxus , leauing the mount Homolus Oxus . Caspia . Saccae . Iaxarta . behinde , and hastening into Caspia . Then the Saccae , whiche dwell chiefly vppon the shoare of the Ryuer Iaxarta , a people also verie experte in shooting , and so readie therein throughe dayly practise , that it séemeth they can be ouercome or matched by none other . For they thinks it a great shame , if any of them shoote an arrowe negligently and almoste vnwares , and hit not the marke . Then followe the Tochari , Tochari . Phurij . Seres . and then the Phurij , and the Seres , nations altogyther barbarous , neyther instructed in any kynde of learning , neyther gyuen to studie , or exercise of any thyng , but onely wandring in wylde and deserte places , doe gather a certayne floure , wherewyth they stayn theyr garments wyth dyuers colours , much like to the floures of nettles , And their garmentes are wouen wyth so fyne thréed , that it is thought they surpasse the spinning of any spider . There be also many other nations of the kinde of Scythians , whose names and maners doe remayne vnknowne , by reason of the sharpnesse of place where they dwel , and the vneasy accosse vnto them , with the extremitie of the ayre , and bytter colde , wherwith those countreys which lye to the vttermoste part of the earth , for the moste parte are molested . And these be the countreis , which as we sayd lye to the north , about the sea Caspium . Hereafter I wil entreate of those , which lye towards the west from Golchis ▪ and Colchis . Phasis . Phasis , on this side , and dwell vpon the shoare of the sea Euxinum , and also of them which in habite , as farre as Traicium , Traicium . Chalcidos . where the land of Chalcidos lieth .

Of countreys in the west .

In this rehersall the Byzeres shall be Byzeres . Bechyres . Macrones . Phylires . first , and nexte the Bechyres and Macrones , and then the Phylires , who as yet do retayne their aunciente Cities and woodden cotages , which they builded long since . Vnto these do ioyne the Thibareni , Thibareni . noble shipmasters , nexte to these sit the Chalybes a very harde people , who hauing Chalybes . obtayned a cuntrey , which for immoderate drouth , is vnapte , for any tillage , haue very much profited in the arte which they haue learned . For they neuer rest from hammeryng and forgyng of weapons and armoure for warre . In so much , that all the countrey béeing couered with smoke , séemeth as though it were on syre , and clattereth with continuall knocking , & bearing of yron . Thēre we procéede to Astyria , whiche is watered Assyria . Thermodo● Armenus . Amazones . by the riuer Thermodo● , falling from the mounte Armenus , and from thē●e runneth to the Amazones with a swif●e streame , who as the reporte goeth , following Sinope . Sopida . Sinope from Sopida ▪ at commaundement of Iupiter , who entirely louing hir , had transported hir , though unwilling , out of hir owne countrey , and had placed hir nigh within his quarters , and curteously appoynted a place , where she mighte continually bewayle the absence of hir parents . In which place , afterward she builded a citie , and called it Sinopaea , Sinopaea . now Sinopi after hir owne name . About the banks of this riuer , there is chrystal Chrystall . hewed very pure and white like yce , and there also is found the Iasper stone . And Iasper . Iris. Halis . not very far off , the riuers Iris & Halys running along , do make the country moyst & plesant : & both of them gliding towardes the north , from the hil Armenus , wher thei Armenus . issue , ●o lick the land along nigh the hill Carabis . Then next be the Paphlagons cast Carambis . Paphlagones off somwhat néere the shore , & so forth to the holy land of the Mariandyni : where ( as it is reported ) the furious thrée headed Mariandyni dog , whom that hardie hand of valiant Hercules . ouercame and led away out of hel , Hercules vanquished the three headed dog . vomited forth a certaine deadly kinde of frothie venime , which poysoned all the countrie with infection . After the Paphlagons and Mariandyni , we passe into Byth●ia , Bithynia . now the great T●urchia , a plesant country , & fulfilled with al plentie , whom the noble water Rhebas moistneth with his swéet Rhebas . streame , vntil he fal into the sea , which is at hand , beingin al the earth no water more plesant , or that bringeth to ye●●e greter delectation . And these be the coūtrei● & people whiche ( as I haue saide ) do inhabite the Weast partes of the sea . The other , of whiche I intreated laste before , be Scythians , and lye to the north .

Of the third part of Asie .

NOw I must go through with the third part of Asie whiche boundeth to the sea , & looketh to the south , & discouering the entrance into Hellespontus , openeth the southerly course into the sea Aegaeum , & butteth forth into Syria & Arabia And first of Syria . Arabia . Chalcedones . Bizantium . Bebryces . Mysia . Cius . Hylas . al , the Calcedons apere at the very mouth looking ouer directly to Bizantum , whose borderers are Bebryces , & the mounts of Mysia ▪ out of which the riuer Cius yeldeth forth his plesant water : wher it is said , that the Nimphs in time past stale away the beutiful child Hylas being then attendant vpon great Hercules . From thence there lieth open a gret vent into Hellespontus , in Phrygia the lesse . The one is situate farther Phrygia . within a great deale & is farre larger , néere to the riuer Sangarius . And thys , Saugarius . which is the larger , and lieth forth to the east , is very fruitfull for corne & grasse , & ●ingeth vp great store of good horses . The other which looketh to the west , is descried at the foote of the renoumed Ida , Ida. hauing at the one syde the noble and famous Troye . Ilium . citie of Troy , called also Ilium , so muche spoken of , so large and so wyde , the nourse and brooder of many a valiant Gentleman , buylded ( as it is thought ) Neptunus . Appollo . Iuno . Pallas . Xanthus . Simois . Aeolia . by Neptunus and Apollo but afterward destroyd by the aduis● of Iuno and Pallas : planted faste by the riuers Xanthus and Simois of Ida. Hereto lyeth Aeolia , nigh aboue Hellespontus ▪ towardes the shore of the sea Aegaeum , in which also the Iones be included : and the memorable riuer Meander glyding thorough with Meander . Miletus . Prienes . his gentle streame , parteth also Miletus , and wide Prienes . Wherof that whiche is in the middle , and lyeth moste to the Ephesus . north , al that wholly Ephesus doth possesse , lying to the sea syde , sometyme the glorious citie of quiuered Diana ▪ & to hir Quiuered Diana . The temple of the Amazones . de●●●ated ▪ Wher ( as ●ame telleth ) in old time the Amazones ●uylded a temple of wonderful workmanship vpon the sto●k an Elme ●ree , and for that ●ause was had in greate admnation amongest all people , & allages ▪ From this next forth to the East , lieth Meonia , vpon a stéep rock Meonia . Tmolus . vnder the side of the mount Tmolus , out of whiche the Riuer Pactolus , runneth Pactolus . with his sande all of golde , and maketh therwith the whole countrey to glitter . Vppon whose bankes when once the spring tyme of the yeare is come , there are Swannes herd continually singing , Singing swannes . whiche féede there commonly raunging on the riuers side , with such harmonie , that nothing can be more pleasant to the eare , their foode dayly encreasing vpon the shoare . And the Riuer also Enister Enister . spryngeth vp , and bestoweth his water plentifully in diuers places of the countrey . Moreouer it bringeth foorthe very faire women , who many tymes according to their custome , hauing their loynes girded with girdles of gold , do make pastyme among them selues , leadyng straunge formes of dauncing , cast round into a ring or circle , chéefly when they celebrate their accustomed feastes of Bacchus , Bacchus feasts . once euery yeare , in daunces , and other myrthe : Where wenches of flourishing yeres , being mingled with them lyke wanton kiddes and lambes , dance and play togither , & raise no small pleasure ( while they be dauncing ) to the beholders . For the winde somtime huffeth vp their garments , & their order in dauncing ingendreth a certain plesant noyse , much deliting the minds of the hearers . But let vs leaue these things to the men of Lydia , whose practise & study is on them , the hauing Lydia . allotted a countrey ful of pleasures , they may also intend to folow the same , nothing degenerating from nature , or theyr country maners . Consequently the Licij Licii . enioy the next shore , chiefly where the riuer Xanthus commeth down , & the mount Taurus Xanthus . beginneth by litle to decrease , towardes Pamphylia ▪ & to change name , béeing no longer called Taurus but Cragus , where Taurus . Pamphylia . Cragus . Eurimedon . standeth also a town by the riuer Eurimedon , the inhabitants wherof do worship Venus , & do accustomably offer vnto hir the bloud of swine , & other beasts . Ther folow other cities of Pamphilia , as Corycus , Corycu● . Pergae . Phaselis . Lycaones . Pergae , and Phaselis , very much through blown with winds . Among the thickest of whom towards the easte : lye the Lycaones men also very fit for warre , and well practised in shooting . Whose neighbours are the Pi●idei , whose principall cities be Pi●idei . Termesus . Lyrbae . Selgae . Amyclaei . these , Termesus , Lyrbae , and Selgae , which they say , was of aunciente time founded by the Amyclei . From thence , when towards the east , the sea commeth in with a round reache like a circle , all the lande that lyeth neare therto , must neads also resemble the same shape , & for that cause it is not muche vnlike to the sea Euxinum . In that nooke be the Cilices , very farre Cilices . into the East , the aunciente records of antiquitie since our forefathers dayes , called that place , the straights of Asie . The streits of Asie . That cuntrey is muche moystned , with many riuers , not all rysing there , but comming from other places , whereof there be thrée chiefe , Pyramus , Pinarius , Pyramus . Pinarius . Cydnus . Tharsus . and Cydnus , which only amongst the rest running through the midst of Tharsus , deuideth the citie with his confortable stream , a citie most noble for beutiful buildings , where they say long ago , the famous horse A fable . Pegasus . Tharson . Bellerophon Pegasus left his hoofe , & therof the citie was called Tharson ▪ And also where ( the report goth ) Bellerophon was cast down by him , & so departed to Iupiter , whereby the place becam renoumed wher he had cōtinuedlōg before , sequestred from all companie of man . There are to be séen also many other cities of Cilicia , standing here and Cilicia . there , among whiche Lyrnessus is one , Lyrnessus . Malos . and Malos , by the sea side . Diuers also there are which stande partely within the lande , and partly on the shore . The land Comogena , is neare hereto , and Comogena . Syria . the cities of Syria nowe Suria , a large countrie and wide , reaching vnto the Sea , but the side whiche lyeth to the West , stretcheth to the foote of mount Casius . Who so vnderstandeth wel the Mounte Casius . situation and fourme hereof , with studie and diligence shall soone perceyue howe the other parts of Asie lye . For the fourme thereof consisteth of foure angles , the parte that lyeth easterly , surmounteth the other in multitude . We declared howe that all Asie was deuided into twayne , and that it stretched forth to the mount Indus , whiche Mounte Indus . is one of the boundes therof , especially where it lyeth to the North , and Nilus Nilus . an other where it runneth to the west . The Ocean standeth in steade of the rest , whiche is called Indicus , on what parte it loketh to the East , and boundeth at south on the read sea , called Mare Rubrum Mare rubrum . But Syrie , wherof we speake but nowe , béeing thrust , as it were almost into the middes and bowels therof and touching the sea both at East and south , hath within it that way many citties . Which bicause it standeth lowe , and is enclosed with two very high hilles , Casius , at the west side , and Libanus at the Casius . Libanus . east : the inhabitaunts cal it in their tonge , a valley . And bicause it séemed vnto them more commodious , and far more frutefull than any other , for grasse , corne , and such like , and easie to be passed vnto by ship : many noble men , and such as were of great abilitie , chose that place to dwel in , building there citties , & townes , and distinguishing them by diuers names . For those which dwell more within the conunent land , are by one name called Sirij But they whiche lye nigh the Sea Syrij . Phoenices . Erytheri . side , are Phoenices ▪ which in times pa●●e , comming from the Erytheri : are thought to haue bin the firste , which assayed the Sea with shippe , and inuented the trade of marchandise , whereby men might be pronoked to conetousnesse , and desire of riches . And firste also , which founde out the motions of the heuens , and course of the starres , with the supernall bodies , by the excellencie of their witte and industrie . These are the inhabitours of Ioppes now Iaffa , Gaza and Elicides , and Ioppes . Gaza . Elicides . Tyrus . which of long continuaunce , haue possessed the fayre and aunciente citie Tyrus , nowe Sur , builded from the beginning . Then they which founded the watry citie yblon . Sydon . Bostrenus . Tripolis . Orthosides . Marathon . Laodex . Neptunus . Daphne . Apamia . Byblon nowe Gae●a and windy Sidon now Sidoni , vpon the banke of the calme riuer Bostrenus , who possesse also Tripolis now Tripol de la Suria , Orthosides , and Marathon nowe Maugath , and the noble citie Laodex nowe Lyche , builded as they say , by Neptunus , where Daphne was weaned . Also the people of Apamia within the mayne lande where the riuer Orontes , nowe Tarfaro , running Orontes . Antiochia . towardes the Easte , parteth Antiochia in twayne . And generally all Syria is very riche , and plentyfull , abounding with corne and pasture for grazyng of cattell , at whose inlande partes , which are to the Southe moste adiacent , lyeth the entrance to the sea Arabicum , which washeth the shoares of both Arabia and Syria continually : howbeit by little and little turning to the east , approcheth the Elani , where as the Arabes lye , possessing Elani . Arabes . a countrey of all other moste rythest and precious . It standeth highe , and is enuironed with two seas , Persicum , and Arabicum , and lyeth also open vnto two wynds . For the Arabicum requireth a Western wynd , and Persicum an Easterne . But that parte of Arabia whych lyeth to the east and south , is washed also with the Red sea , called Mare rubrum .

Of this countreye I wyll speake somewhat , bycause it conteyneth many regions , whose power and wealth , all other doe wonder at , and are amazed to beholde their greate store and abundaunce .

And I wyll not omitte , that béeing verye muche delyghted with Sacrifice , there is no one parte of all the countrey but dothe smelle of Parfume and Myrrhe , and of soote smellyng Calamus , whiche are caste into the fire to burne . Who will not take it for an vndoubted truth , that Iupiter , being father to Dionysius , tooke him foorth of his thinghe , at Iupiter father to Dionysius . the celebration of whose natiuitie , he replenished the whole countrey with fragrant odoures ? And that those shéepe , wherwith Arabia aboundeth , obteyned that guift , that while they were féeding , they should be clad in thick and fine fléeses ? and the pondes and waters swarme with varietie and multitude of Fishes ? And that so many flocks of birds forsoke the deserte , and came thither , bringyng with them boughs of precious Cinamom wherwith that countrey now is wonderfully stored ? Moreouer , that this Dionysius after that he was borne , and somewhat sprong vp , wearing on the skinne of a yong Goate , and hauing his lockes tressed vp with yuie , and vine leaues , & his belly ful of good wine , went wandering about all the countrey , rather pouring foorth vnmeasurablye , than bestowing moderatly great riches , & sowing golde like séede , to bryng foorthe fruite which should neuer perish ? And for that cause all that region vntill this daye is thought to abound with such commodities , that the very hilles yeld forth gold , and the Riuers siluer , and theyr shores and bankes balme and soote herbes , and the inhabitants be very rich , and weare none other garments than of pure gold , or fyne silke . They whiche dwell vppon the browe of the hill Libanus , the same Libanus . Nabathaei . Chalbasii . Agrees . Chatramis . Persis . Minaei . Sabae . Cletabei . be those , which they call Nabathaei : And those whiche ioyne to them Calbasii , and Agrees , and next , the lande Chatramis , whiche lyeth in sight of Persis . But the Minaei , and the Sabae , lye on the redde sea shoare , and the Cletabei , nighe vnto them . And these bée all the kingdomes and nations in Arabia , whiche I supposed to be woorth memorie . Howebeit , ther be some more rude , & altogither without any fame , and neyther for maners , nor learning , woorthie to be accompted among the Arabes . For towardes the Weast , and vttermoste syde of Arabia , dwell a people called Erembi , a roughe Erembi . and wylde nation , dwelling vppon the hilles and mountaynes , and haue none other houses than dennes , and ragged hollowe rockes , going all naked , and hauing no kind of felicitie , or happinesse that aperteyneth to man , and being dryed vp with sharpnesse of liuing : haue burned their skinne with blacke coloure . And if there happen vnto them anye trouble : they betake not themselues to armour , not to their arrows , not to their weapons as other do , but like wilde and sauage beastes , run through woods ouer hilles and dales , not like the other Arabians , whome nature hath indued wyth such and so many benefits . But on the other side of Libanus , which lyeth to the Libanus . East , there openeth another parte of Syria , butting foorth to Sinopes now Sinopi , Sinopes . which boundeth on the Sea coast . In the midst whereof the Cappadoces , men truly Cappadoces . who for the stoare of fine horses whiche they haue , and continuall exercise of ryding theron , do become therin very perfecte , and singular . The Assyrij , lying to Assyrij . Thermodon the sea , do kepe the mouth of Thermodon . Forth of whose hilles , and chiefly to the north , the noble riuer Euphrates breketh vp , first falling from the mounte Armenus . Euphrates . But when it hath continued a long time there , running among the hilles of Assyria , toward the south , and afterward turning to the east , washeth through the midst of Babylon , and last of all , licketh Babylon . Theredon . the citie Theredon , and maketh hast into the sea Persicum . And not far in the east , the riuer Tigris floweth forth not altogither Tigris . so big as Euphrates but incomparable swifte . For it runneth so fast , that in one day it riddeth so much grounde , as any swifte man is able to runne ouer in seuen . And so gliding forward , not farre , till he come into a plaine grounde , where like as he were wery , and willing to rest himselfe awhile , gathereth togither into a rounde circle like a boule , and there abideth , whiche place the nigh dwellers call Thomitida . Yet dothe hée not long Thomitida . continue so , but rising ( as it were ) from sléepe , and béeing ashamed of so muche idlenesse : sodenly riseth vp , and beginneth a great deale swifter course than before . The land which lyeth betwene Euphrates , Mesopotamia . and Tigris , is called Mesopotamia of the Grecians , nowe Halapia , whyche is of suche sorte and nature , that there is no sheapheard , or grazer , what euer he bée , though he were of counsell with Pan the god of shepherds , can in any parte fynde faulte with that countrey for goodnesse of pasture : nor any planter iustly condemne the frutes whiche grow there wylde in the hedges and woods , either for lacke of store , varietie or pleasantnesse of verdure . For there is suche plentie of all thing growing , and suche abundaunce of herbes and floures , that the country is accompted blessed and verye acceptable to the gods . Also the countrey which is next , lying to the north , is very good and rich , the Armenei possesse it , which dwell in Armenei . Euphrates . sight of Euphrates , a people very stoute and hardie , very expert in feates of chiualrie , abounding in wealth and riches . At the South standeth Babylon , of whom Babylon . we haue spoken , which as histories do report , Semiramis the queene of the Medi , when Semiramis . she had conquered the whole countrie , being delited with the pleasantnesse of the place , enuironed it with an vnpregnable wal , & within the toures & forts of the citie builded strong and warlike houses , wrought curiously with fyne gold , siluer and Iuorie : the countrey is right noble and frutefull . It bringeth foorthe dates , sweter than are in any other place . It hath also in it the stone called Berillus , Berillus . more precious than golde , whiche groweth chiefly about the top of the hill Ophietis . Ophietis . But aboue Babylon towards the north , dwell a people called Cissi . And Cissi . Massabate● . Chaloni●ae . neare vnto them , the Massabateae & Chalonitae . About the hilles Armeni , towards the East , lye the Tempea ( whiche are Tempea . plesant woods , wyth waters running through them ) of the Medi , wherof they at north are called Geli : and the Mardi , Geli . Mardi . Atrapatini . and Atrapatini are there at hande . And at the south side , who euer of the Medi , at any time florished , do dwell there , or that procured themselues empyre , or founded citties . For they say , that these descended of the noble family of Heriona , Heriona hir history daughter to Osta . Pandion . Illisius . a famous gentlewoman , and daughter to Osta the good king . Howbeit she is not cleare without spot , for she slewe hir sonne Pandion ▪ wyth strong poyson , at the shoare of the riuer Illisius , hir owne selfe . For whyche facte , béeing verye much ashamed , she ran from thence priuily , and came into that countrey , which is called now by hir name , being not far from Colchis , and neuer durste returne home agayne to beholde hir Parentes wéeping eyes , whose wrathe she muche feared . Wherefore the people there vntyll thys daye , are muche enclined to Magicke , Witchcrafte , and Sorcerie . The countrie is verie large , and hath in it manye Hilles and Mountaynes , wherein the precious stone Narcissites Narcissites . is found , being somwhat of colour and & hauing vaines in it lyke an Iuie leafe . But some chose rather the plain to dwel in , being delyghted with pleasant pastures and flockes of cattell , whiche reacheth forthe vntill we come to the gatès Caspiae , whiche loke to the East , and lying beneath vnder the high Mountains , doe open the passage for trauellers into the Northe and South . For at the one side lyeth the way Hircana , on the other The way Hyrcana . Parthi . the Mounts of Persia , vnder whose féete dwell the Parthi , a warlike nation , ànd verie experte in shooting , of whome I thinke it not amysse to say somewhat , for they are such as neuer learned to dig or plowe the ground , or otherwise to til it , nor yet to passe by Sea into any other countrie , or to get any thing by trafique of marchandise . Neyther is there any among them that followeth or féedeth any heardes of cattell . But so soone as euer they be of any yeares , eyther they take a bowe in hand and learne to shoote , or else they practise running on foote , or horsebacke , vntill they become maruellous readie therein . For that countrie is alwayes ratling and crackling with Dartes , broken launces , or strokes of arrowes . There is also continually hearde the noyse whiche fierce and couragious horses do make when they méet and fyght togyther . And it is not lawful for any there to go to supper before that with suche like exercise all his body be in a sweat . They lyue chiefly by hunting , whiche they followe , darting or shooting , in whiche and also for theyr sauage demeanoure , howbeit they séeme inuincible , yet being ouercome by the Romain Captaine , were compelled to obey the Fasces , béeing a fewe rods bounde about The Romane Fasces . an axe , & so borne before the officer , the peculiar scepter of the Romaine Empire . But I will nowe declare into how many kinds of people that kingdome is distinguished , & with what Riuers moystned , and with what hilles enuironed . They only and first hadde among them the title and honour of a king . And they only surpassed all other in power and strength , after that they had ouerrunne Meonia and Sardinia nowe Sardengne , Meonia . Sardinia . and sacked them , for after that time they vsed in warres , armour and weapons of golde , with golden brydles and trappings , wyth other furniture for their horses , and shoed them with siluer shoes , bringing such treasure away with them in the conquest , that euery one ●lowed in ryches . Persia is entrenched on euery side Persia . Portae . Caspiae . with high stéepe mountaines , beginning ( as I sayde ) at the gates Caspiae , where the way lyeth to the south , and reaching to the Sea whiche is of the countrie called Persicum , it is inhabited especially in thrée places . For there are some that dwelt towarde the North , cleaning vnto the dark and shadowy hilles of the Medi : Others in the middle whiche possesse Medi. the inlande countrie , and some contrariwise in the Southe nighe to the Sea Persicum , of whiche I spake right nowe . The first are the Sabae , nere vnto whom Sabae . Passagardae . Tasci . lye the Passagardae , and the Tasci and many moe , whose countrie is washed with diuerse riuers which run forth in many turnings and crooked channels . On the one side runneth Corus , an other Choaspes , Corus . Choaspes . Susa . which rising out of the Riuer Indus , and watering the cittie Susa , sheweth the precious stone called an Achate , lying An Achate . white as mylke , among the sandes , long and rounde , after manner of a Cilinder , which the streame bringeth down from the hill to the plaine : fruites be there alwayes gréene by reason of the temperatayre . But nowe I must entreate of the other parts of Asie , which lye to the east , and cloase vp the bounds and ends therof . Wherefore about the shoare of the Sea Persicum , which is Eastwarde , the Carmani are planted , possessing two Carmani . Persis . countries not far from Persis , for some haue desired to dwel neare the sea coast , which other mislyking , haue rather chosen to inhabite farther with in the land . Among which the Gedrossi nowe Turquestan , Gedrossi . whiche lye easterly , are nigh to the Oceane , and be also borderers vnto those Scythians , which I sayde were south , nigh the riuer Indus , that runneth into the read Sea , ouer against it , wyth two mouthes . But before that it fall into the sea , it passeth by many townes , and regions , & wandreth along and croked way . It riseth foorthe of the mounte Caucasus Caucasus . towards the north , but it turneth to the south and embraceth the Ile Patelenes , Patelenes . with two armes , and after that conuerting his course to the west : deuideth the Oritae and Erebes , & the Arachotae , which Oritae . Erebes . Arachotae . Satraide . Parpausus . Arieni . weare none other than linnen garments . And so , foorth it runneth to the Satraidae , and to all those people , that lye about the mouth Parpausus , who are all called by one name Arieni . These inhabite a very wilde , and vnciuile countrey , the mould béeing very sandy , and not méete for anye tillage , hauyng notwythstandyng some singular giftes and commodities of Nature . For there are founde commonly Corall stones of all kyndes , and Coral stones Saphyres . Saphyres are digged oute of the vaynes of the hilles , lying in mouldes lyke shelles , of a brownishe yelowe coloure . In the East lyeth the countrie India , India . whiche althoughe it be the farthest and last , yet it is of all other most pleasant , and is as it were betwéene the lyppes of the Ocean . Whiche so soone as euer the Sunne beginneth to ryse and lyfte vp his heade out of the Ocean Sea , is the firste lande that it toucheth with his beames , making the people blacke and grosse of nature . They haue verie thicke woods , and trées not muche vnlike to a Iacint in colour . But bycause they dyg there in many places for Golde , dyuers of them become great gayners thereby . Others weaue linnen cloth , some shaue and cut Elephantes téeth , many search the chanels of Riuers , loking if they can espie eyther a Berill glittering in the Berill . Diamond . Iasper . Topase . Amatist . sande , or a Diamond , or a Iasper , or a wheyish Topase , or lighte on an Amatist beeing of coloure purple , or lyke bloude .

These are their practises for the most parte , for the countrie is full of Riuers , whyche maketh them verie ryche in suche Iewels . There are also Gardens and medowes verie faire and fruitfull , which are greene through out the yeare , some florishing with goodly woods , with red boughes and twigs , some bearing a grayne called Myllet . But I muste Myllet . nowe speake of the fourme and situation hereof , with what Ryuers it is washed , with what hilles enuironed , and finally how many nations it hath in it .

The description of India .

IT consisteth of foure angles , whiche runne almost into the fourm of a Triangle , whose sides do meete , and so it becommeth well nigh rounde . The Ryuer Indus , of whome I spake , runneth at the Indus . Ganges . Caueasus . West parte thereof , and Ganges at the East . Caucasus lyeth to the North atthe going downe of the Beares . Many noble and worthie menne haue dwelled in this countrie , not in one place , nor of one name . For some went to one side , some to an other , as nature , custome , & desire moued them . Some planted them selues nigh Indus , which are called Dardanes , Dardanes . Hydaspis . where the Ryuer Hydaspis receyueth into his bosome Acesma , an other Acesma . Riuer rysing harde by out of the rocks . For Hydaspis is a verie wyde and déepe streame , able to beare any shippe , and washing that part of the West whereto the Riuer Cophes is neare , and moystneth Cophes . the same with mylke white water , betwéene whome the Sabae lye , and the Toxili , with the Scodri . Then the countries Sabae . Toxili . Scodri . Peucanei . Gargaridae . Hypanis . Megaros . of the Peucanei , and the Gargaridae , which worship Bacchus , where Hypanis , and Megaros , carie downe golde , two the moste rychest Ryuers of all other . These ryse out of the mount Haemodus , and runne towards the coast of Ganges , at last bending to the South , neare the Ile Colidos , which standeth in the Ocean , Colido● . falleth into the Sea. This I le standeth so highe and stéepe , that no birdes will flye thether , and therefore is called of the Grecians , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , to say , without birdes . And it was called Colidos , bycause it is dedicated to Venus . Not farre from thence towards Ganges also , there appeareth an other place , counted holy of the inhabitants for a strange chaunce A Fable of Bacchus . which befell there . For on a tyme when Bacchus was mad , he came thether and abode , sodenly turning the Vine leaues wher with they which followed him , were clad into aspes , their speares into yron , their girdles which were made of tender shootes of vines , into fierce and puffing Dragons , bycause the people there abhorring his maners , had contemned his sacrifice . Who being thereat muche afraide , called the way first of him Nysea , Nysea . and determined that they togyther with their children , woulde offer sacrifice , being crowned with Garlandes of Iuie . Whiche being done , when he had thus subdued those nations , immediately he ascended to the Mounte Haemodus , on Haemodus . whose foote the East Ocean beateth , and there ouer their heads as it were at one ende of the earth , he erected two pillers , following the example of his countriman Hercules , and at length wente downe Hercules and Bacchus con●●●men . like a conqueroure to the bankes of the Riuer Ismenus . These be all the countries & nations which possesse the whole Earth , especially suche as we coulde vnderstande to be of any fame or excellencie . Howbeit I confesse that there be many moe lying in dyuerse quarters , partly fléeting & hauing no certain place of abode , partly blinde & obscure , remayning vnto this day without name , which I thought not much to be estéemed , & of no man able to be recited but of God only , God knoweth al things . who séeth & knoweth al things . For it is he which layd first the foundations of the world , & disposed it in this goodly order , who discouered to men the pathes and entrance into the wide sea , and gaue vnto vs all the commodities of this life , as healthe , ryches , honors , and prefermentes : Who also distributed vnto euerie starre and planet what power and influence he lyst . Inclining thereby some menne to tylling the Earth , thereby to gather ryches , some to traffique the Sea , eyther to gette their lyuing by fishing or changing marchandise , others to studie Philosophie and other Sciences , whereby they may rise to renoume and honour . And graunting vnto diuers the gyft , with power & authoritie to rule and gouerne other . Wherefore it is no maruel , if men haue not only diuers fortunes , but also natures , seing that there is lyke varietie among countries , some bringing forth men as white as mylke , some more browne , some ta●nie , & some burnte cole blacke , like vnto the manyfolde floures which Assiria bréedeth . For Assiria . so God hath ordained , that men as well as other things , should be of sundrie natures and dispositions , and that euerie one shoulde be contente with his owne The conclusion . chaunce . Wherefore O all ye Landes , and Ilandes of the Earth , which lye vnto the Sea , nowe fare ye well . Also ye Waters of the Ocean , and surging waues of the noble Sea , with Riuers , fountains , springs , and hilles , fare ye well likewise . I haue sufficiently discoursed on you all , which haue obtayned any fame or renoume among men . And I praye God , that for this my trauel , if it please him he will requite me with some reward .

FINIS .