The history of Poland. vol. 1 in several letters to persons of quality, giving an account of the antient and present state of that kingdom, historical, geographical, physical, political and ecclesiastical ... : with sculptures, and a new map after the best geographers : with several letters relating to physick / by Bern. Connor ... who, in his travels in that country, collected these memoirs from the best authors and his own observations ; publish'd by the care and assistance of Mr. Savage.

THE ●●ntient and Present STATE OF ●●OLAND . PART I. The Antient State .

LETTER I. 〈◊〉 the Right Honourable WILLIAM Lord Dartmouth .

〈◊〉 the Origin of the Kingdom of Poland ; with the Succession and Remarkable Actions of its first Dukes , from the Year 550 , to 830.

MY LORD ,

HAving had the good Fortune , some Years since , to meet your Lordship at Venice , in my Travels from France , ●●hrough Italy and Germany into Poland , I ●●ound , that not contented with a superficial ●●nd transitory Account of Places , your Genius led you naturally to enquire not only into the Government , Laws , and Characters of the several Nations you passed through , but likewise to examine nicely into their Maxims of State , and their different Interests ; and this , that by discovering the Excellency of some of their Constitutions , and Defects in others , you might , like a wise and thinking Patriot , admire the Perfections of our own Government , Goodness of our Laws , and Wisdom of our Senate , whereof you your self are so worthy a Member .

My Lord , You may remember , that after your Resolution to take Medicines , as well as my small Skill in prescribing them , had had the good Effect of curing your Lordship at Venice of that acute Disease which made me almost despair of your Recovery , I left you at Padua with the Earl of Kildare to gather strength ; and went thro' Tyrol , Bavaria and Austria down the Danube , to Vienna ; where having staid for some time to see the Emperour's Court , I set forward , with some Noblemen of Poland , through Moravia and Silesia to Cracow , the Capital City of that Kingdom ; from whence , in eight days , we arrived , with a numerous Attendance , at the King's Court , which always resides at Warsaw ; where I was kindly receiv'd by the late King John Sobieski , who did me the Honour to intrust me with the Care of his decaying Health : and sometime afterwards his Majesty sent me with her Electoral Highness the Princess Tcresa , his only Daughter , then married to the Elector of Bavaria , to take care likewise of her Health in her long Winter Journey from Warsaw to Brussels ; which gave me opportunity to come sooner out of that Kingdom , than I at first apprehended I cou'd .

Tho , my Lord , my chief business both in Poland and other Countries has been always ●●o improve my self in what related pecu●●iarly to the Practice of Physick , and to Natural Knowledg ; yet for my own Satisfaction and Curiosity , I was desirous to be in●●ormed further , both from the Natives themselves , and their Historians , of the true State and Origin of this vast Kingdom . I found that Poland has met with the same Fate with most other Countries , that is , to be little known from its Minority : For when this Monarchy was first founded by Lechus , there were no Learned Men to hand down to Posterity by their Writings the true State thereof from ●●ts Infancy ; but what small Account there is extant of it , was written some Ages after : Wherefore , not having besides been a twelve-month in that Kingdom , I cannot presume to give that satisfaction which perhaps your Lordship might otherwise expect from the discourse I lately had with you ; yet I can securely assert , that the following Relation of the Origin of that Country is drawn out of its most authentick Historians .

Origin of Poland . POLAND , by the Romans call'd * * Pomp. Mela lib. I. de situ Orbis , cap. 3. & lib. III. ●●ap . 4. Sar●●natia Europaea , came to be a distinct Nation , and to be govern'd by Elective Princes , much about the Middle of the Sixth Century , sometime after that the Goths and Vandals had ravag'd the South parts of Europe , and abandon'd their own bleak Northern Habitations to establish themselves in warmer Regions , Italy , France , Spain and Africk , which gave occasion to the * * Albinus tit. 6. pag. 70 , &c. Sclavonians , as Sabellicus , Thuanus , and other Authors have it , to quit the Cimmerian Bosphorus or Straits of Caffa , Great Sarmatia , and Great Russia , or Moscovy , to inhabit those desolate Countries . Afterwards , this People , dividing themselves into two considerable Bodies , one pass'd the Danube , and settled in Dalmatia , Istria , Bosnia , Carynthia , Bulgaria , as far as Greece , and in some part of † † Adam . ●●remens●●s seculi 9. scriptor , in lib. I. Hist. Ecclesiast. cap. 10 , &c. Germany ; while the other , under the Conduct of three Brothers , Lechus , Cechus and Russus , turn'd towards the North to possess themselves of those Provinces which the Goths and Vandals had forsaken .

These Brothers 𝄁 𝄁 Guagnini Rerum Polon . p. 50. are said to have built Bremen in Germany , so naming it from a Sclavonian Word , signifying a Burden , because they had there , as one may say , laid down their Burden , and were in great measure freed from their former Miseries . These Princes likewise divided their Followers into three Parties , whereof one commanded by Cechus , settled in that Kingdom which lies between Poland and Germany , now call'd Bohemia ; the other , headed by Lechus , fix'd in the lower part of Great Sarmatia , a Flat and Champain Country ; whence the Natives have since call'd it Polska , from the Sclavonian word Pole , which Whence so call'd , and what by the Inhabitants . either signifies Plainness , or Hunting ; and the Germans , Poland , or Even-Ground . * * Lib. I. cap. 2. pag. 21. Hartknoch is of Opinion that Poland was an antient Name of Sarmatia in the time of Ptolomey , before the Poles inhabited this Champain Country , which it might have taken from the Bulani or Bolani , that are said to have settled near the Vistula , and to have come from Sarmatia . The third Brother † † Hornii Arca-Noae , & Pet. Lucari in Annal. ●●agus●●is . Russus establish'd himself in that Province of Poland , which is now call'd from his Name Russia .

Not only the Testimony of Authentick Writers , but also our own Reason will convince us , that all these Nations have originally been the same ; which may appear by their Languages , being but as so many Dialects of one Mother-Tongue , the Sclavonian ; which is now spoke in more Countries than any Language of Europe .

Founded by Lechus . Here Lechus had no great need of Force to establish himself ; he met with but little resistance , all this Country having been left desolate for some time before by the Vandals : Only 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Guagnini Rerum Polon . p. 51. Regulus , a German Prince , is said to have oppos d him at first , and to have challeng'd him , but was soon vanquish'd by him in a Duel ; whereby he became Master of Pomerania , which was then Regulus his Country .

In these days there were no Cities in Poland , no Money was yet known , nor any Laws writ , such as they had being only pronounc'd What Laws . by their Princes Mouths , and handed down by Tradition to the People . * * Herburt . de Fulstin . Senat. Polon . in Chronico p. 2. Princes were then rather Fathers of Families , than Lords and Masters ; and their Revenue consisted only in a moderate Imposition on their Subjects Labour .

Lechus , my Lord , settled in that great Province which joins the State of Brandenburg , since call'd Posnania , where he built the first The first City . City , naming it † † Id. ibid. Gnesna , from the Sclavonian word Gniazdo , which in that Language signifies a Nest ; and this because , that where it was building , a Tree was cut down which had an Eagle's Nest on the Top of it : which Lechus taking for a good Omen , not only call'd his City Gnesna , and made it the Metropolis of his Kingdom ; but also order'd , that the Arms of Poland should for ever after be a Spread-Eagle , which has so continu'd even down to this day . He likewise built Second City . another City in a Wood , eight Miles from the former , which he nam'd Posnania ( by the present Inhabitants call'd Posnan ) signifying in the Polish Tongue Knowledg , because he there met and knew his Brother Cechus , Prince of Bohemia , after above twenty years absence . This City gave occasion for naming the Province Posnania .

In Memory of Lechus to this day , the Poles stile their Country in their Poems Lechia : and Mr. Mountague North , who liv'd for sometime at Constantinople , has lately told me , that the Turks call a Polander , in their Language , Lech , making the Poles likewise derive their Name from their Founder .

Tho , my Lord , this Lechus brought that People under a kind of Monarchical Government , yet neither he , nor any of his Successors could ever so far prevail upon them as to make the Succession Hereditary ; they having continued Elective for above Eleven hundred years ; always reserving a full Power and Authority to themselves , of choosing whom they pleas'd for their King . Nevertheless , it is to be observ'd , that they have still hitherto elected one of the Royal Family , where the deceas'd King had any Issue left , except in this present Election , which is like to go otherwise . I find by their Chronicles , that not so much as a Daughter has been excluded when there has been no Son : However , they always thought fit to acquaint 'em at the time of their Election , that they were not to attribute Policy of Poland . their Accession to the Throne to any Right contracted from their Parents , but were altogether oblig'd to the Senate and Gentry for putting that Scepter into their hands . Hereby they intimated how much their Kings were indebted to 'em , and what Necessity they lay under to behave themselves well towards a People that were pleas'd to raise 'em to a Supreme Dignity , which they had no better Claim to than the meanest Gentleman in the Kingdom . They acquainted them likewise , that they thought themselves no longer oblig'd to pay them Obedience , than that they kept to their Oaths : And moreover , they always reserv'd to themselves a Right of deposing them whenever they violated their Laws .

This Maxim has hitherto prov'd very beneficial to the Poles for enlarging their Country , and maintaining their Privileges ; and might well have extended their Dominions beyond those of any State in Europe , had their other Constitutions been as well grounded , or as exactly observed : For tho the Poles have been constantly molested by their Neighbours , the Suedes , Moscovites , Tartars , Turks , Hungarians , and Germans , and their Kingdom been several times reduc'd to Extremities , burnt and plunder'd by frequent Incursions , put into Convulsions and Desolations , and thousands of their People been carry'd away into Policy of its Kings . Captivity ; yet by the prudent Conduct and Courage of their Kings , through a desire of gaining the Affection of their Subjects by serving their Country zealously , to the end their Fame and Merits might raise their Children to the Throne after their deaths , the Poles have not only always oppos'd , but likewise repuls'd the exorbitant Force of their Enemies : They have also by degrees enlarg'd their Country by vast Conquests , and render'd it several times the most formidable of any Kingdom in Europe : They have likewise never submitted to any Foreign Power , no not even to the Romans by force : They have also hitherto inviolably maintain'd their Liberties , Properties and peculiar manner of Government , against all the Attempts , both of their Enemies abroad , or the Cabals form'd either by themselves or their Kings at home : and I believe I may say to their great Commendation , that they are the only Nation in the World who have kept the longest Succession of Kings without subjecting themselves either to a Despotic or Hereditary Monarchy ; their Princes being now , as most are thought to have been at first , wholly elected by the People .

Tho , My Lord , I have said the Poles have never excluded their Kings Children , yet must it be understood that their Crown has not always been in the same Family , by reason that from time to time the Royal Line has fail'd ; and therefore they have consequently been oblig'd to elect Princes out of other Families ; but still I may very well affirm , that there has never been any Stranger chosen , except in the present Election , where the preceding King had any Issue surviving .

Number of Princes . The Princes and Princesses of this Kingdom have in all been fifty , two whereof were Women , as Venda , and Hedwigis , both having had the Government for some time ; and the other forty eight were Men. * * Hartknoch Respub . Polon . p. 22. At first these Princes were only stil'd Duces , Dukes or Generals of Poland ; as if their Office in those times had been no other than to head Armies : for 't is to be observ'd that to Boleslaus Chrobry they were not so much as crown'd . This Title continu'd from the Year 550 , to the Year 1005. when the Emperour Otho III. created Boleslaus I. the Sixteenth Duke of Poland , The First King . King , being the second Christian Prince that had govern'd that Country , all before him and Miecislaus I. his Father having been Pagans ; as were likewise the Poles themselves till the tenth Century , when this Miecislaus the fifteenth Duke of Poland turn'd Christian in the Year 964 , in Pope John the XIIIth's time ; by which means his Son Boleslaus came to have the Title of King .

All the Princes of Poland may be divided Four Classes of Kings . into four Classes , whereof the first and last are of different Families ; the second and third of but one , in which the Crown passes from the Father to the Daughter . The first Class reign'd from the Year 550 , to the Year 830 ; The second from 830 , to 1382 ; The third from 1382 , to 1574 ; and the last from thence down to our Time .

I shall now proceed to give your Lordship some short Account of the Succession and most Remarkable Actions of the first Class of the Dukes of Poland , from the Year 550 , to the Year 830.

Lechus . 550. LECHUS * * Kadlubkon in Praefat. p. 8. Son of Annon , first Duke of Poland , as I said before , founded this Nation : Gnesna and Posnan built . He built the first City there , naming it Gnesna , now the Primate's See ; as likewise the City of Posnan , Capital of Posnania . 'T is uncertain how many govern'd before his Race came to be extinct , and there is great Contest among the Polish Historians about his Successor : but some affirm that he order'd by his last Will ( like Alexander the Great ) that they should elect the most worthy Person among them .

Visimirus . VISIMIRUS his † † Guagnini Rerum Polon . p. 52. Nephew was thereupon chosen , who is reported to have extended his Dominions even to the very Borders of Denmark , and to have built a very great Ship which was an exceeding Terror to the Danes . He is also said to have given that Nation a great Overthrow by Sea , and to have pursued his Victory into the very Bowels of that Kingdom , where he subdued many Provinces , and His Conquesis . built several Cities , whereof one was Wismar , which retains his Name to this day . In one Battel this Visimirus is said to have taken the Danish King Prisoner , and to have carried him into Poland ; whence afterwards being releas'd , and conspiring together with the Swedes and Holsatians , he made an Incursion into Poland with a numerous Army , but was soon met and vanquish'd again by Wisimir , who thereupon push'd on his Victory so far as to reduce the greatest part of Denmark , which he then united to Poland . In opposition to this Story Monsicur Pauli , Minister here from Denmark , has assured me that the Poles never made any Conquest in that Country , which may give some Exception to the truth of this King's Reign : tho it may very well be suppos'd that several Kings reign'd during the space of 150 Years , there being so much time between the beginning of Lechus his Reign and the Election of Cracus . However , to gratify the Curiosity of the Publick , I hope I have not done amiss to insert it , since I withal quote my Author . After many glorious Actions , having greatly augmented his Dominions , this Wisimir died His Death . without Issue .

Vapovius says that Lechus his Posterity reign'd all that space of time between him and Cracus , being 150 Years : yet having consulted all their Historians , I can find no manner of Account given of their Reig●● ▪ nor of the Government of Poland in all that space of time .

Lechus his Issue being extinct , 't is certain the Twelve Woievods . People elected twelve Woievods ( in the Polish Language Captains of War ) to govern 'em , who divided that Country into twelve parts : for the Poles sticking close to their Liberty , would then by no means put the Government into one Man's hands . But soon after these Depos'd . Palatins disagreeing among themselves , the People chose one

Cracus . 700. CRACUS for their Head , a very Rich and Popular Person , reported to have been of the Race of the Gracchi at Rome , who were banish'd into this Country by King Ancus . Who this Cracus was all Historians do not agree : The Polish Writers say he was one of the twelve Woievods ; but the * * Vide Bohusl . Balbinum , lib. 1. Hist. Bohem. cap. 10. p. 82 , &c. Bohemians affirm he was a Prince of their Country . He gain'd extremely upon the good Will of his Subjects , for he soon appeas'd the impending Storms of a Civil War , built a City on the River Vistula , Cracow 〈◊〉 . calling it after his own Name Cracow , and transfer'd his Residence from Gnesna thither ; which is the reason that this City has ever since been the Metr●●polis of Poland , in which all the Kings by the Constitution are to be crown'd , tho they are to live at Warsaw .

† † Guagnini Rerum Polon . p. 55. There goes a frivolous Story of a monstrous Dragon that rag'd in those days near this City , who with his poisonous Breath kill'd all that came near him , and likewise sometimes sally'd abroad to the Destruction of thousands ; to prevent which they were wont to throw him every day three Oxen , which at length almost causing a Famine , Duke Cracus made use of a Stratagem to destroy him , which was this : He order'd an Ox's Hide to be stuff'd full of Sulphur , Nitre , Pitch , and the like , and to be cast to the Monster , who taking it for no other than his daily Offering , greedily devour'd it , but quickly found himself enflam'd with so great a Drought , that he soon after burst with drinking in the River Vistula .

His Death . After this Duke's Death he was ●●uried , by his own Orders , on a little Hill in sight of the Town , and this to put the Citizens in mind of their Founder . He left three Children , His Issue . Cracus , Lechus , and Venda , whereof

Lechus II. LECHUS II. to obtain the Principality murder'd his elder Brother Cracus in a Wood ; His Banishment and Death . which being soon detected , he was banish'd the Country , and died in Exile .

Vend●● 750. VENDA a Virgin ( which shews the Affection the Poles have always had for the Royal Family ) succeeded him . She was a very beautiful Princess , and amongst several others was courted by one * * Micralius lib. 2. Chron. Pomeran . num. 22. p. 161. Ritiger a German Prince , who not proving much in her Favour , came with an Army to force her to marry him , but was bravely oppos'd and vanquish'd by her , as the Polish Historians will have it ; tho the German affirm the contrary , and say she drown'd her self upon his pursuing her close , Her Death . which the others pretend was occasion'd by her hearing Ritiger was a handsome Man , and had kill'd himself in a rage .

With this Princess Cracus his Family being Twelve Woievods . extinct , the Poles chose a second time twelve Woievods , who falling out as before among themselves , and the Hungarians and Moravians Depos'd . invading their Country , they thought fit to elect one Premislus a Goldsmith for their Duke , afterwards call'd

Lescus I. 750. LESCUS I. The reason of whose being chosen was a Stratagem he had contriv'd , that sav'd the Poles when they were in Distress . How he came to be elected by The manner of which was as follows : They being in the Field against the Hungarians and Moravians , and finding themselves much inferior in number to their Enemies , this Goldsmith contriv'd a way to make 'em seem more numerous , and at the same time to gain 'em a compleat Victory ; to effect which he got a certain number of Helmets made of the Bark A Stratagem . of Trees , which he dawb'd over with Quicksilver and Gall , and by Night hung 'em in order of an Army on small Boughs at the side of a Wood , which the Enemy next Morning perceiving , by Reflection of the Sun upon 'em , believing it to be the Polish Army , march'd directly towards 'em , when the Poles who were behind the Trees removing the Helmets , the Enemy thought they had retreated for fear ; whereupon hotly pursuing 'em into the very heart of the Wood , the Poles , who lay in Ambush , surrounded and cut 'em all to pieces .

He govern'd the Poles in Peace and Quietness for a good while , none during his Reign daring to molest that Country . How long he His Reign and Death uncertain . reign'd , and where , and of what Distemper he died , is uncertain .

Election by Horse-race . This Duke leaving no Issue , a Horse-race was instituted , wherein the Victor was to succeed in the Government . Hereupon a Stone Pillar was rais'd before Cracow , on which were ●●aid the Crown , Scepter , Globe and other Regalia , and at the same time a Herald proclaim'd the Throne to him that got first from the River Pardnic to the Goal . Upon which several Candidates appearing , one Lescus thinking himself wiser than the rest , laid Iron Spikes in the Road where the Race was to be run , by which the others Horses being A Stratagem defeated . ●●am'd , he came first to the Pillar : but this Fraud being soon detected , instead of being chosen , he was torn to pieces on the spot , and

Lescus II. 776. LESCUS II. a poor Country Fellow , whom the Poles look'd upon to be destin'd for their Prince , was elected in the Year 776 , who while the others Horses were hamper'd by the way , running the Race on foot for want of a Horse , tho rather to shew his Swiftness than out of any thoughts of the Crown , got next the Impostor to the Goal .

A Commendable Example . This Duke in Commemoration of his former Condition would once a Year solemnly ●●ay by his Robes , and put on his Country Clothes , which he preserv'd whilst he liv'd for that purpose , and which induc'd all the Courtiers to be as meanly clothed at the same time . They write that he was kill'd in the His Death . Wars against Charles the Great .

Lescus III. 804. LESCUS III. his Son succeeded him , being chosen in the Year 804. He soon forc'd the His Death uncertain . aforesaid Emperor to a Peace , but when he died I find no mention made . He is said to have had above twenty natural Sons .

Popiel I. 810. POPIEL his Son succeeded him in the Year 810. This Prince had none of the good Qualities either of his Father or Grandfather , his greatest His Vices . care being to make much of himself without any regard to the Publick . He thought Cracow too much expos'd to the Incursions of the Hungarians and Russians , and therefore , for security of his Person , withdrew into the Heart of the Country , first to Gnesna , and afterwards to Cruswitz , where he soon after His Death . died suddenly . * * Herburt . de Fulstin . p. 11. His common Execration was wont to be that he might be devour'd by Rats , which tho it happened not to him , yet his Son Popiel perish'd by that Fate .

Popiel II. 815. POPIEL II. Son to the former , was elected next in the Year 815 , and reign'd to 830 , who being a loose and profligate Prince , was more universally hated than his Father ; which his Wife perceiving , as likewise that his Father's Brothers were more belov'd , contriv'd a way to poison them , thereby the better to secure the Succession to her Children . Hereupon , A cursed Stratagem . by her Stratagem , Popiel feigns a dangerous Sickness , and invites his Uncles to visit him ; which they speedily obeying , he caus'd 'em to come to his Bed-side , where taking 'em by the Hands , as if just going to leave e World , he recommends to 'em a Cup to ink , which they , little suspecting any Poison , urteously accepted , and drank off ; when king leave of their Nephew , a little while ter they fell into excessive Pains , and soon ed. Upon which this barbarous Duke , by e instigation of his Wife , gave out that it as a Judgment from the Gods upon 'em for ●●e treacherous Designs they had form'd a●●inst him and his Children ; and therefore ●●dered their Bodies to lie unburied for a con●●erable time , the better to take away all spicion of his Crime . Hereupon no body ●●er so much as suspected either Popiel or ●●s Wife of their Deaths , till at length Dine Justice discover'd , and punish'd the Offeners after an extraordinary manner : For all ●●e Chronicles , Histories , and general Tradions of Poland agree , that out of these dead odies came a vast number of huge Rats , Judgment upon Popiel by Rats . ●●hich guided by an unknown Intelligence , ●●llowed Popiel , his Wife and Children where●●ver they went ; neither Rivers , nor strong ●●alls , close Rooms , nor their very Guards as they say ) were able to prevent these Ani●●als from crawling about 'em , and continually eeding on their Bodies both night and day : They first devour'd the Sons , afterwards the Wife , and lastly Popiel himself , tho he retir'd or safety to an Island in the River Vistula . T is said the Water-men were afraid that hey should gnaw through their Boat , and sink ●●m before they reach'd the Island ; for they ●●lways pursu'd through Fire , or whatever else was oppos'd to 'em with a great deal of Noise ●●nd Fierceness .

This doubtless your Lordship will think f●●bulous ; yet since all their Historians una●●mously agree in it , I thought my self oblig to relate it as they do . 'T is certain the Po●● would never elect any of Popiel's Nephews , ●● any other of his Relations , for the Aversio●● they had conceiv'd to his Name after this ●● normous Crime ; so that he was the last of h●● Family that reign'd , and likewise the last ●● the first Class of the Dukes of Poland .

After the Death of Popiel , the Poles electe one Piastus , a Wheelright , nothing related ●● ther to him , or any of his Predecessors . H Family reign'd successively , without interru●●tion , for about 800 Years , of which it woul●● be too tedious to trouble your Lordship wit a Relation , and therefore I will conclude wit giving you only this imperfect Account ●● the first Princes of Poland , and with subscribing my self ,

My LORD , Your Lordship 's most obedient Humble Servant , B. ●●

LETTER II. To the Right Honourable LAURENCE Earl of Rochester , Embassador from his Majesty Charles II. into Poland .

Containing the second and third Classes of the Kings of that Country , or the Succession and remarkable Actions of the Families of Piastus and Jagello , from the Year 830 , to the Year 1574.

My LORD ;

THE great Character I found your Lordship had left behind you in Poland , to the Honour of the English Nation , makes me as well admire your prudent Conduct , and circumspect Behaviour at that Court , as the happy Choice so great a Prince made of you , to represent his Royal Person there : for tho this Western part of Europe will hardly allow the Poles the same proportion of Sense and Judgment with most other Nations , yet Politicians readily own that there is more Art and Policy requir'd in an Ambassador to manage his Master's Credit and Advantage with the turbulent Spirit of the Senate of Poland , than with any other Court whatever govern'd by well regulated Methods , and refin'd Maxims .

This , my Lord , the vigilant Court of France and wise Republick of Venice have long experienc'd , and therefore of late , have sent into that Kingdom none but their most accomplish'd Statesmen .

The Esteem the Court of Poland profess'd for your Lordship's Memory was fresh enough in my time to convince me , that you were throughly acquainted with the Genius and Constitution of that Nation ; Two things Publick Ministers ought chiefly to be vers'd in , and which are the Rules they generally go by in their Ministry , to compass more effectually their Designs . It would therefore , my Lord , appear vain in me to presume to tell you any thing New as to the present State of that Kingdom , since , by conversing with your Lordship , I have learn'd some Particulars of that Country I knew nothing of before . The Subject I thought most agreeable for your Entertainment , was a short Account of the Renowned Families of Piastus and Jagello , who reign'd about eight hundred Years , and whose remarkable Actions were doubtless out of the Memory of those Grandees you convers'd with , being only recorded in voluminous Annals , which , probably , Publick and more Important Affairs might not allow your Lordship leisure to peruse .

The Kingdom of Poland beginning to make some considerable Figure in the World about the * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 38. ninth Century , and having imbraced the Christian Religion in the tenth , foreign Nations , particularly its Neighbours , began to look more nicely into it , and to embody its History with their own ; so that from thence forward I can promise your Lordship a more certain Account of this Country than hitherto I have given from the sixth Century to that time .

After the Death of the inhuman Popiel , the last of the first Class of the Princes of Poland , his Cousin Germans , whose Father he had poison'd , aspiring to the Crown , were unanimously rejected by the Poles , either because they were thought unqualified or undeserving , or by reason of Popiel's Crimes , which had entail'd a kind of Odium both on them , and all his Posterity . Whereupon a General Assembly or Diet was call'd at Cruswitz , a small Town in Lower Poland ; but not being able to agree , their Session was dissolv'd . A little while after another was conven'd in the same place , which being resolv'd to pitch upon some body to prevent farther Disorders , elected one

Piastus . 830. PIASTUS a Wheelright , Son to Cossisco a Citizen of Cruswitz , in gratitude for having supply'd their want of Provisions after the following manner .

* * Guagnini Rerum Polon . p. 64. Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 1. p. 13. & Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 68 , &c. Cause of his Election . Piastus having provided a small Collation for the naming of a Child , born about the time of that Convention , happen'd to be visited by two Pilgrims , Paul and John , whom they report to have been afterwards Martyrs at Rome . These Mendicants being repuls'd at the Hall of Election , were notwithstanding kindly receiv'd by him , whereupon to return his Civility , they named his Child Ziemovitus , and departed . Afterwards , by the great Concourse of Electors , Provisions growing scarce at Cruswitz , and many applying themselves to Piastus for Relief , he furnish'd them all gratis , ( but that not without being thought a Miracle , for 't was believ'd the Blessing of those good Men remain'd upon him ) and extended his Bounty much beyond his suppos'd Ability , which made 'em look upon him as a Man sent from the Gods to govern 'em , and therefore unanimously chose him for their Prince .

This good Man , having thus obtain'd the His Vertues . Principality , did not yet change his Life with his Condition ; but his Power being encreas'd , continued his Bounty comparatively . In his Reign there arose many intestine Disorders , all which he soon quieted rather by his Clemency than Severity . So being belov'd by good Men , and respected by bad ; and having remov'd his Court from Cruswitz , which he abominated for having been the Scene of His Death . Popiel's wicked Life , to Gnesna , he died in the 120th Year of his Age.

His Family reign'd above 600 Years in Poland , nay , a Branch of 'em were * * Hartknock . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 74. Princes of Silesia a long while after , to the Year 1675 , when George William , the last of that House , dying without Issue , the Dukedoms of Lignitz and Brieg in Silesia fell to the Emperor . In memory of this Piastus , when any Native ever after obtain'd the Crown of Poland , they call'd him a Piasto . He was succeeded by his Son

Ziemovitus . 861. ZIEMOVITUS by his Wife Repicha , a ●●rave and warlike Prince . This Duke had considerable Advantages by having the Administration of the Government long before his Father's Death , who for some time was super●●nnuated . He obtain'd great Conquests over the Hungarians , Moravians , and Germans , and His Wars . was the * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 1. p. 15. first that brought the Polish Army to a Discipline , by instituting Generals , Colonels , Captains , and other Subaltern Officers among them . He regain'd what the Popiels ●●ost , and besides , considerably enlarg'd his Dominions by new Conquests .

His Character . He was a Person of a boundless Resolution , seem'd destin'd for War † † Florus Polon . cap. 12. p. 22. ( being able to undergo the greatest Fatigues ) and consequently was exceedingly admir'd and belov'd by his Subjects . He dy'd at Gnesna , was buried His Death . there , and was succeeded by his Son

Lescus IV. 892. LESCUS IV. who being elected young , was under the Care of Governours for some time . He was of a quiet and peaceable Disposition , His Character . enclin'd rather to Peace than War , and contented to preserve what his Father had left him , without ever aiming to enlarge his Dominions . He dy'd in the Year 913 , and was His Death . succeeded by his Son

Ziemovistus . 913. His Character . ZIEMOVISTUS , who reigned 51 Years . This Prince was much of the same Temper with his Father , there having been no Wars in his time . He had but one Son ●●ecislaus I. who being born blind , was miracu●●ously restor'd to his sight about the Age of seven Years , when he was about to have his Head shaven according to the Pagan Custom ; which gave occasion to the Magi of that Kingdom , to prognosticate that he should be the Light of Poland , which , not long after his Election , His Death . came to pass . Ziemovistus dy'd , and was buried at Gnesna , and his Son

Miecislaus I. 964. MIECISLAUS I. came to the Crown next . He had seven Wives at a time , yet could have no Children by them , which opened a way How the Poles became Christians . for the Christian Faith to enter Poland ; for there being then several Christians wandring up and down that Country to convert those Pagans , they came to this Duke , and told him he could never have any Issue till he had turn'd Christian ; which Miecislaus hearkning to , immediately put away all his Wives , and His Christian Wife . married Dambrawca Daughter to Boleslaus Duke of Bohemia , on condition to turn Christian and be baptized . Whereupon Pope John XIII . sent Cardinal Aegidius with a great number of Priests into Poland , to preach the Gospel there , which before had been altogether unknown in that Country .

This Duke erected the Arch-bishopricks of Gnesna and Cracow , with several Bishopricks . In the mean while Miecislaus had a Son call'd Bolesl●●us , which mightily augmented his Zeal to oblige his Subjects to be converted : * * Cromerus ▪ lib. 3. p. 43. Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 70. Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 2. p. 19. for he caused a Law to be made , that while any part of the Gospel was reading at Mass , every Man should half draw his Scimiter , to testify their forwardness to defend that Faith .

His Wars . This Duke had Wars with Vlodimirus ▪ Duke of Russia , to whom he lost Premislia and other Towns . He sent Lambert Arch-bishop of Cracow to Rome , to obtain leave of Pope Benedict VII . for the Princes of Poland to be stil'd Kings , but was refus'd , this Pontiff not being yet dispos'd to grant that Favour . He buried Dambrawca , and afterwards married Judith Daughter of Jesse Prince of Hungary , and was succeeded by his Son

Boleslaus Chrobry . 999. BOLESLAUS CHROBRY , a vertuous Prince , who was elected in the Year 999. and * * Dubravius lib. 6. Hist. Bohem. p. 49. & Albert. Cranzius lib. 2. cap. 36. Kadlubkon . lib. 2. Chron. Epist. xi . p. 130. after some Years reign by Consent of the Pope , was dignified with the Title of King by Created first King 1005. the Emperor Otho III. who also remitted the Pretensions his Predecessors had to Poland as being Emperors of the Romans , and this in consideration of a kind Entertainment made him by Boleslaus in his Pilgrimage , on account of his Health , to the Tomb of St. Adalbert Bishop of Prague , who was martyr'd by some Pagans to whom he offer'd to preach the Christian Faith . Of these Barbarians Boleslaus bought his Body , and caus'd it to be buried at Gnesna , whither great numbers from all parts came to pay their Devotion at his Shrine .

The Emperor Otho also at the same time married his Niece Rixa to Boleslaus his young Son Miecislaus , who succeeded his Father in the Kingdom . To confirm his being crown'd King by Otho the Emperor , it would not be amiss to recite part of an old Epitaph written upon him ; Ob famam bonam tibi contulit Otto Coronam , Propter Luctamen sit tibi salus . Amen .

* * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 2. p. 22. This King was surnamed Chrobry ( signifying in Polish Acute ) from the Quickness and Excellency of his Parts . Boleslaus made Bohemia , Moravia and Prussia tributary to Poland . His Wars . He also declar'd War against the Saxons , who made Incursions into Pomerania , which was then govern'd by Lescus III's Family . He Twelve Senators Assistants . likewise instituted twelve Senators to assist him in the Government . This King's Death was so sincerely regretted , that for a Year's time there was no Mirth nor Splendor in Poland . † † Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 71. This Prince was of an undaunted His Character . Spirit , tho withal modest , courteous and endearing . Both Boleslaus and his Father lie buried in the middle of the Cathedral Church His Death . of Posnan , whose Tombs I have there seen . His Son

Miecislaus II. 1025. MIECISLAUS II. being about 35 Years old was elected next , being crown'd by Hypolitus Arch-bishop of Gnesna . He degenerated in all respects from his Father , and lost most of those Conquests which he had added His Wars . to the Crown . To him the Bohemians and ●●avians refus'd to pay Tribute ; yet he ●●ued Pomerania , which belong'd of right he Polish Crown . He was a Person very ●●y and stupid , and chose rather to be His Character . ●●ed by his Queen and Companions than Council , which made him soon slighted and ●●is'd both by his Friends and Enemies : Yet reign'd almost nine Years , and liv'd forty 〈◊〉 'T is said he died mad , and left but His Death . Son ,

Casimir I. 10●●4 . CASIMIR I. who being elected young , his ●●ther Rixa officiated the Regency during Queen Regent . Minority . This King was not chosen with●● much difficulty , for many of the Electors , ●●ing he might follow his Father's steps , vi●●ously oppos'd him at first : Also the Poles ●●re dissatisfied with his Mother's Admi●●ration for several Reasons , among which 〈◊〉 was , her robbing the Treasury , and after●●rds flying with her Son to her Brother ●●sar in Saxony .

This young Prince being sent afterwards his Mother to study at Paris , became a Bedictin Monk at the Abby of ●●luncy in France . the mean time the Poles , having no body to ●●eside in their Government , had great Dis●●sions among them ; and therefore earnest●● entreated the Pope to dispense with Casi●●r's Vow , that he might return to his Throne , ●●hich they at length obtain'd upon * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 71. Agreeent , that for each Head , except those of the obility and Clergy , they would contribute early a farthing to maintain a Lamp perpetually burning in St. Peter's Church at R●● and moreover , for ever after cause their H●● to be shav'd about their Ears like Mo●● ( which is practis'd to this day ) as like●● stand in a white Surplice while Mass was ●●ciating Casimir recall'd . on all Holidays : upon these Condit●● they had their King again ; but when he ●● crown'd I could never learn .

He enter'd into an Alliance with Jaro●● His Marriage . Duke of Russia , Son to Vlodomirus , and 〈◊〉 ry'd his Sister Mary afterwards , call'd Do●●neva , whose Mother was the Princess 〈◊〉 Sister to Basil and Constantine , Emperoun Constantinople .

He conquer'd the Province of Maso●● His Wars . where now lies Warsaw , and defeated ●● Army of Maslaus , then Duke of that Co●●try ; who retiring among the neighbour●● Barbarians , not long after return'd 〈◊〉 greater Force , and ravag'd Masovia ●● along to the Vistula , but was soon met 〈◊〉 overthrown a second time by Casimir ; wh●● flying to his Friends , as he thought , that 〈◊〉 assisted him , they took , flea'd , and fastned 〈◊〉 to an exceeding high Cross , saying , * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. ●● . p. 34. That was but just that he should be exalted whose Action was so boundless . Afterwards Casimir bei●● mindful of the Benefits he formerly receiv●● in the Abby of Cluny , sent thither great Pr●●sents and Offerings .

At length this good King having setled h●● His Death and Issue . Kingdom in its former Tranquillity , dy'd , and left three Sons , Boleslaus , Vladislaus , and Mi●●cistaus , and one Daughter Suentochna . He was ●●y'd at Posnan in the Year 1058.

Boleslaus II. 1059. BOLESLAUS II. his Son , surnam'd the d , succeeded him , who reign'd 23 Years . n the beginning of his Reign he had Wars His Wars . ●●h the Hungarians , Bohemians , Russians and ●●ssians , all caus'd by the protecting of three ●●les . He vigorously maintain'd the Cause Bela Prince of Hungary , who was then mar●●d to his Aunt , and banish'd by King An●● . Whereupon he dethron'd Andrew , and ●●wn'd Bela King of Hungary , notwithstand●● the considerable Succours sent to Andrew ●● of Germany and Bohemia . Afterwards , re●●ning into Poland , he marry'd Viseslava , His Marriage . ughter and Heiress of the Duke of Russia , by om he had that Dukedom for a Portion .

* * Hartknoch . lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 2. p. 73. Towards the latter end of his Reign he came very dissolute and lewd ; oppress'd the ●●ple with extraordinary and insupportable xes ; took away publickly Gentlemens dies to satisfy his Lust ; could not endure ●● that took notice of his Irregularities ; ●●ish'd such as complain'd of his Tyrannical His Vices . ●●vernment , and at length kill'd Stanislaus ●●zepanovius Bishop of Cracow , for refusing ●● the Sacrament of the Altar ; the manner which was thus : Boleslaus continuing in enormous Crimes and Extravagancies , this od Man earnestly entreated him to amend Life ; but perceiving his Obstinacy , onely he refus'd him the Communion : Which s Prince being highly offended at , watch'd an opportunity to revenge ; and a little while after , as the Bishop was officiating at Mass , he gave him such a blow with his Sabre , that he made his Brains fly against the Wall ; and afterwards his Guards entring , cut the good Bishop to pieces . Hereupon he was soon pursu'd with Vatican Thunder , and consequently render'd odious to his Subjects : Wherefore fearing some Conspiracy might be His Flight out of the Kingdom . rais'd against him , he left his Kingdom , and retir'd with his Son Miecislaus , which he had by his Queen Viseslava , to Ladislaus King of Hungary , where 't is reported , that out of His Death . meer Madness he afterwards kill'd himself .

This Bishop Stanislaus was Canoniz'd by Pope Gregory VII . and has all along from thence Patron of Poland . been receiv'd for the Patron of Poland . The Pope also excommunicated the whole Country , and Boleslaus his Successors were for a Title of K ▪ ceases . considerable time * * Hartknoch . lib. I. cap. 2. p. 40. depriv'd of the Title of Kings . Next came

Uladislaus I. 1082. ULADISLAUS HERMANNUS , Brother to Boleslaus , to be elected ; who being afraid of the Pope , or else fearing his Brother's return , would only accept of the Title of † † Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 4. p. 45. Prince . He recall'd his Nephew Miecislaus , who died in six Years after . He built many Churches and Monasteries , all which he richly endow'd .

This Prince also brought over the rebellious His Wars . Pomeranians and Prussians , and defeated likewise the Army of Vratislaus Prince of Bohemia , whom the Emperor Henry IV. had dignified with the Character of King , giving him moreover a Right over Poland , tho he had no Title to dispose of it , his Predecessor Otho III. when he crown'd Boleslaus I. King of Poland , having renounc'd both for himself and his Successors all Claim to that Kingdom . Nay , I heard the Poles themselves say that this was rather a piece of Civility in Otho , than any Obligation upon them , their Country having never been conquer'd by any Foreigner , not even by the Romans themselves .

His Marriage . He married Judith , Daughter of Vratislaus King of Bohemia , by whom he had Boleslaus III. surnam'd Krivoustus , or the Wry-mouth'd ; and afterwards by a Daughter of the Emperor Henry IV. he had three Daughters . He died His Death . in the fiftieth Year of his Age , was buried at Ploscow , and succeeded by his Son

Boleslaus III. 1103. BOLESLAUS III. surnam'd Krivoustus , or the Wry-mouth'd .

He was the most warlike and successful Prince that Poland ever had , and at length subdu'd his Bastard Brother Sbigneius that rebell'd His Wars . against him , whom at last he was forc'd to cause to be * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 4. p. 60. murder'd . But of all others , his Contest with the Emperor Henry V. is most famous , which is as follows .

This Emperor having declar'd War against Colomannus King of Hungary , and engag'd the Bohemians on his side , Boleslaus join'd Colomannus , and to make a strong Diversion enter'd Bohemia , and destroy'd the greatest part of that Country ; whereupon , to be reveng'd on Boleslaus , the Emperor surpriz'd the Provinces of Silesia and Marchia , which were then in the hands of the Poles , and had been absolute Master of them had not Boleslaus speedily marched with an Army to oppose him ; who finding his Enemies much superiour in number , at first thought it better to compose the matter amicably , and therefore sent an Ambassador to treat of Peace ; to which the Emperor , thinking he had the Advantage , would by no means condescend , except upon very dishonourable Terms for the Poles . * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 4. p. 55. And hereupon leading Scarbicus the Ambassador to see his Treasure , he told him , that that ( pointing to his Gold ) would bring the Poles to what Terms he pleas'd : at which Scarbicus being highly affronted , took off a Gold Ring from his Finger , and throwing it into the Treasury , said , Whatever be your Imperial Majesty's Opinion , I do not question but the Polish Iron ( meaning their Swords ) will prove as good Metal as the German Gold . Which said , he immediately took his leave , and returning to his Master , acquainted him with his Negotiation ; which the haughty Pole highly resenting , resolv'd to hazard a Battel , which he did , and by the Bravery of his Army obtain'd a signal Victory in the Dogs-field near Breslaw chief City of Silesia : whereupon the Emperor immediately struck up a Peace with him , gave him His Marriage . his Sister Adleida in Marriage , and his Daughter Christina to his young Son Vladislaus . This Prince forc'd the Pomeranians to the Christian Faith , which they had often rejected before . The Poles all this while were in possession of Silesia , but afterwards the Kings of Bohemia conquer'd it , and therefore it consequently now is under the Emperor .

* * Hartknoch . lib. ●● . cap. 2. p. 74. It is reported of this Prince , that he had fought forty seven Battels with success , except His Valour and Success . one only ▪ with the Red Russians , which was meerly lost through the Cowardice of a Woievod of Cracovia , to whom the King after the Fight sent a Hare-Skin and Spinning-wheel for Recompence . Nevertheless , this one Defeat stuck so close to him that he soon after died , leaving four Sons , among whom His Death and Issue . he divided his Kingdom . This King perform'd a great many more memorable Actions , which , my Lord , because they might be too tedious to insert here , I have omitted .

† † Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 4. p. 72. His Character . He was of an undaunted Spirit , a great despiser of Danger , and no less an observer of Truth and Right ; very liberal and generous upon the smallest Occasions , and moreover endued with singular Clemency and Modesty . He was further very ambitious of Glory , but at the same time no Enemy to Peace , tho he is said to have been train'd up to War from his very Cradle . To

Uladislaus 11. 1140. ULADISLAUS , surnam'd the Driveler , his eldest Son , he left the Supreme Power , which was confirm'd , and he elected in the Year 1140 , but reign'd only six Years : and to the other three he gave only some separate Provinces , which afterwards was the occasion of great Disorders in Poland ; for the elder Brother Vladislaus pretending to dispossess Persecutes his Brothers . the other three , turn'd his Brother Boleslaus out of the Palatinates of Ploskow and Masovia , and his Brother Henry out of the Province of Sendomir , who both retir'd to their third Brother that govern'd Posnania .

* * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 7. p. 73. Vladislaus had always with him a Nobleman , call d Peter Dunin , whom taking out one day to hunt , they happen'd to be so late abroad , that they were oblig'd to lie all Night in a Wood ; where , for Diversion , the King began to joke with his Companion after this manner . Dunin ( quoth he ) I. believe your Wife lies more at ease to Night with the Abbot Scrinnen , than we do : To which Dunin , forgetting himself , tartly reply'd , And it may be your Majesty's does the same with Dobessus : Who , it seems , was a handsom Fellow about Court that his Queen Christina lov'd . This Answer so nettled the King , that he afterwards employ'd the same Dobessus to be reveng'd A severe Revenge . on Dunin , which he effected by pulling out his Tongue and Eyes .

Hereupon the People perceiving how cruelly Vladislaus persecuted his own Brothers , and at the same time how ill he treated his Subjects , began to be daily more and more disaffected to him ; whereby his Brothers Party greatly encreasing , he was beaten by them as he was going to besiege Posnan . Wherefore discovering new Factions hourly appearing against him , and fearing some ill Fate from a universal Hatred , he timely withdrew into Germany to the Emperor Conrade III. Cousin His Flight out of the Kingdom . German to his Queen Christina , who several times endeavour'd to restore him , but all in vain ; for his Brother Boleslaus Crispus having got possession of the Crown , Vladislaus was forc'd to compound for Silesia only , which afterwards fell to the Principality of Bohemia , and has ever since been out of the possession of the Poles . This Prince lies buried at Attenburg , His Death . a City of Germany in Alsace . Vladislaus with his Son having abdicated the Crown of Poland , his second Brother ,

Boleslaus IV. 1146. BOLESLAUS CRISPUS , or the Frizled , was elected in the Year 1146 , and reign'd to the Year 1175 ; yet the Emperor Conrade did what he could to restore Vladislaus . To effect which , he first sent Embassadors into Poland , but to no purpose : Then he resolv'd to make War with the Poles , but defer'd it till his Expedition against Asia was over ; to facilitate which he had obtain'd leave to pass through Boleslaus his Dominions to the Euxine Sea : But at his return being constantly solicited by Vladislaus and his Queen , he march'd with a powerful Army against Poland ; yet His Wars . what with Delays , Stratagems , and Ambuscades , he was so fatigu'd by the Poles that he could do nothing , till at last he was call'd home to appease some Intestine Broils in his own Dominions , which having effected , he soon after died . His Successor Frederic Barberossa also espous'd Vladislaus his Cause , but not being able to do any thing in his Favour by Embassadors , he march'd with a numerous Army against the Poles , which they likewise harass'd and wearied out , till they had oblig'd that Emperor to strike up a Peace with 'em , he being in War at the same time against Milan ; by which it was agreed , that Boleslaus should remit Silesia to Vladislaus , whose Posterity afterwards divided it into several Dutchies , till at last it came to the Empire . This great Province , my Lord , as I observ'd in my Journy through it , is one of the most fertile and plentiful Countries in all Germany .

Boleslaus began another War against the Prussians for refusing to pay him Tribute , and forc'd them to this Compliance , that they should submit in case he left 'em to their Religion ; but otherwise they boldly declar'd , that they would rather die than become Christians again . Whereupon Boleslaus was forc'd to grant them Liberty of Conscience ; yet they soon revolted , and by a * * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 8. p. 78. Stratagem entirely routed the Polish Army , and His Death . kill'd his Brother Henry . This King died not long after , and was buried at Cracow .

Miecislaus III. 1174. MIECISLAUS , surnam'd the Old , Brother to Boleslaus , succeeded him , being elected in the Year 1174 , and reign'd only to 1178. He was call'd the Old from his great Sagacity and Prudence in his Youth . His Covetousness A bad Policy . induc'd him to hoard up great Sums of Money by oppressing the Gentry and People with unreasonable Taxes , and selling all Employments , tho against the Constitutions of the Kingdom . This extreme Avarice brought him to be generally hated by the Clergy , Nobility and People : whereupon * * Ib. p. 80. & Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 5. c. 9. p. 88. Gedeon Bishop of Cracow endeavour'd several times to encline him to pity his Subjects , and despise Money , since he had no need of it ; but he would by no means hearken to his Advice , wherefore this Bishop concerted together with the Gentry to dethrone him , and remit Dethron'd . the Crown to Casimir his Brother , who more deserv'd it , which they effectually did after some little Bloodshed .

Here we may observe , that Covertousness is the greatest Vice that any Prince can be guilty of , especially a King of Poland , whose Subjects , as your Lordship doubtless has observ'd , are generally liberal even to Extravagance .

At first Casimir refus'd the Crown offer'd him , alledging it was his Brother's Right , and that such an Alteration might occasion Civil Wars , which he by no means had any mind to be the Author of . But when they unanimously declar'd they would have no other King , and could never more obey Miecislaus ,

Casimir II. 1178. CASIMIR II. consenting to accept of the Government , was elected in the Year 1178 , and reign'd to 1195. He was surnam'd the Just , being altogether unlike his Brother , as appears by the following Particular . † † Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 75. Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 9. p. 82. Being at play with a Gentleman of his , nam'd Conarius , whilst he was Prince of Sendomir , and having won all his Adversary's Money , the Gentleman in a Passion struck him over the Face , and fled ; but next day being brought before him , was adjudged by every body to have deserv'd Death for his Insolence . Not A commendable Example . at all ( replied the good Prince ) for being affected with his Loss , and not having it in his Power to revenge himself on Fortune , it is no wonder if he fell foul of her Favourite : and moreover , rather blam'd himself for condescending to play with him , and likewise thanked him for putting him in mind by that Blow , how unworthy it was for a Prince to bestow his time so ill : And lastly , as a further . Argument of his dissenting from his Brother's Principles , he return'd the Courtier all his Money again .

Miecislaus endeavours to be restor'd . Miecislaus being excluded , retir'd with his Princess and Children to Ratisbon to the Emperor Frederic his Kinsman , who yet could do him no good , he being engag'd at that time in War both in Italy and Asia ; therefore his next Recourse was to his Brother's Clemency . This so far wrought upon Casimir , that he made a Speech to the Senate to recal him , but was extremely blam'd by them for offering to prefer a private Kindness to the Publick Safety . All this while Miecislaus was little sensible of his Brother 's good Nature , tho he afterwards under-hand endeavour'd again to get him restor'd .

Casimir begun his Reign by easing his Subjects of the Taxes his Brother had impos'd upon 'em , and restraining the Power of exorbitant Magistrates . While he was absent in Russia , on account of composing some Differences , by instigation of Miecislaus , some of the Nobles conspir'd against him , and endeavour'd to re-instate Miecislaus ; which the better to bring about and satisfy the People , they pretended that Casimir was poison'd in Russia . Hereupon Miecislaus readily arrives in Poland , and was receiv'd every where but in the Castle of Cracow , which Bishop Fulco held out against him . Of all this Casimir being soon inform'd , by Assistance of the Russians , overcame his Brother , and gave both him and his Army their Lives ; which Goodness of his at length so wrought upon Miecislaus , that he never after aim'd at the Crown . Submits .

After Casimir was well settled , being not unmindful of the rebellious Prussians , nor of the Death of his Brother Henry , he march'd with so great fury against them , that he had regard neither for Man , Woman nor Child , but put great numbers of all sorts to the Sword , and burnt and plunder'd their Country to that degree , that at last they quietly submitted to the absolute Dominion of Poland .

Dantzic made a City . This King made a City of * * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 10. p. 85. Dantzic in Prussia , which before was only a poor Fisher-Town on the Baltic Sea . He lies buried at Cracow , having left two Sons Lescus and Conrade , His Death and Issue . and one Daughter Adleida . He liv'd to the Age of six and fifty Years . After his Death the Poles elected his Son

Lescus V. 1195. LESCUS V. surnamed the White , in the Year 1195 , who being very young had for Guardians , his Mother Helena , with the Vnder Guardians . Bishop and Palatin of Cracovia . In the mean time his Uncle Miecislaus being yet alive His Wars . came with a powerful Army of Poles and Silesians to dethrone him , and gain'd a bloody Battel over the Palatin of Cracovia , who commanded Lescus his Army . Hereupon he immediately dispatch'd Embassadors to Helena , to represent to her his unquestionable Right to the Crown , his Strength ; the Disorder among Lescus his Tutors , who being too young , was not able of himself to govern ; the great Advantages he had obtain'd in the late Battel ; and lastly , his great Party in the Kingdom . He moreover desires Helena to make him Guardian over her Son , and promises to adopt him for his own , to leave him the Succession after his Death , and that he will do nothing but what shall be according to the Constiutions of the Kingdom . All these Dethron'd . Proffers having been throughly weighed by Miecislaus III. restor'd , 1199. the Queen and Council : At last Miecislaus was recall'd a second time in the Year 1199. after having taken a solemn Oath to perform all his Promises . But being once reinthron'd he soon forgot his Oath , and fell to confiscating several of his Subjects Estage , and giving 'em to others , saying , * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 6. p. 99. That a King was no longer oblig'd to keep his Oath , than when it was neither safe nor beneficial for him to breake it . Hereupon Dethron'd . the Palatin of Cracovia seizes on the Lescus V. restor'd . City of Cracow , and receives Lescus a second time , whilst Miecislaus , being then absent , by all the Intrigues imaginable endeavour'd to be restor'd : Whereupon he flatter'd the People , perswading them that Lescus his Party had cast false Aspersions upon him ; and that if he did any thing contrary to his Oath , he was meerly betray'd to it by the malicious Perswasions of his pretended Friends . By these and such like fair words he Iulls asleep the credulous People , and gains their Affections the third time : Whereupon he sends to the Queen to inform her that Nicholas Palatin of Cracovia had been the Author of the late Disturbances , and therefore wills her to remove him from Court , and receive himself again ; which she , pitying his unfortunate Case , even in prejudice of her own Son , was inclin'd to do , and would therefore admit of no Justification from the Palatin . Whereupon this Person being a Man of great Authority in the Kingdom , goes and joins Miecislaus ; many follow his Example , and in short , the Queen was quickly forc'd to recal Miecislaus a third time Miecislaus reinthron'd , 1202. in the Year 1202. When being reinthron'd , he requited Queen Helena for her Services by seizing upon the Territory of Voslicia , and three other Places in Sendomir , which of right belonged to her : and being about to do the same to several others , he was prevented by a sudden Death in the seventy third Year of His Death . his Age , leaving two Sons , Otho and Vladislaus Lasconogus .

After Miecislaus his Death , the greater part voted for Lescus V. that was still alive ; but Nicholas Palatin of Cracovia , and the Bishop of Cracow his Brother , would by no means consent to it * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 75 , 76. Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 6. p. 102 , 103. unless Lescus would banish out of the Kingdom Gouoric Palatin of Sendomir , of whom they were both very jealous . Lescus answer'd , He would not buy a Kingdom ( which by right was his own ) by doing an Injury to his Friend . Hereupon by the Bishop and Palatin's Interest he was put by , and

Uladislaus Lasconogus . 1203. ULADISLAUS LASCONOGUS , that is , Thin-foot , elected in the Year 1203. But this good Prince , considering Lescus his Right , after Surrenders his Crown . three Years Reign , voluntarily surrender'd to him , when

Lescus V. Re-establish'd . 1206. LESCUS was receiv'd the third time , in the Year 1206 , and reign'd to the Year 1226. Under his Reign the Poles heard first of the Tartars , a barbarous Nation that came from the Caspian Sea and Mount Imaus in Asia , who made Irruptions into Taurica Chersonesus , and the Frontiers of Podolia and Russia , and have ever since been most inveterate Enemies to Poland . Lescus had a Brother call'd Conrade , to whom he gave the Provinces of Masovia and Cujavia , and made one Suentopelus Governour of Pomerania , whereof one was Author of Lescus's Death , and the other of most blood Wars in Poland : For this Suentopelus thinking to make himself absolute in Pomerania , employed People to * * Guagnini p. 92. murder Lescus , which they not long after effected accordingly , Murder'd in a Bath . when this good Prince was in a Bath : Whereupon , after his Death , Suentopelus declared himself Duke of Pomerania and Conrade , and † † Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 2. p. 94. & Herburt . de Fulstin . p. 111. call'd into Poland the Knights of the Teutonic Teutonic Knights call'd into Poland . Order , ( who were then banisht out of Syria by the Sarazens , and settled in Germany ) to help him against the Prussians , who were wont to make frequent Incursions into his Country , to whom for Recompence he gave the Territory of Culm , and some other small Places , on condition they should act vigorously against the Prussians ; but after they had conquer'd those People , they were to resign Culm , &c. and have the half of their Conquests to themselves . These Auxiliary Troops prov'd afterwards very pernicious to Poland , having been the Cause of many bloody Wars in that Country . This Agreement between the Knights of the Cross ( as they were likewise call'd ) and Conrade , was approv'd and confirm'd by Pope Gregory IX . in the Year 1228. In a short time these Knights effected what they undertook . This Lescus lies buried in the Cathedral at Cracow , and left behind him a young Son ,

Bloeslaus V. 1228. BOLESLAUS V. surnam'd the Chast , whose Guardians he order'd to be his Brother Conrade , and Henry Duke of Breslaw his Cousin . This young Prince , notwithstanding the many Intrigues and Cabals Conrade form'd against him , who design'd to make himself King , was elected in the Year 1228 , and reign'd to the Year 1278. He marry'd Cunigunda , Daughter His Marriage . to Bela King of Hungary ; but after they were bedded , he had not the courage to consummate the Marriage , and therefore by mutual Consent both made a Vow of Chastity .

In●●ad of Tartars . * * Ib. p. 96. & Herburt . de Fulstin . p. 116. 'T was in this Prince's Reign the Tartars made their first Irruptions into Poland , whereof there were three at several times . In the first they ravag'd all the Country about Lublin and Russia , and carry'd away an incredible Number of Prisoners with great Riches . In the second they return'd with more fury , and not being contented with the Plunder of Poland , spread likewise all over Silesia , where near Lignitz they entirely defeated the Confederate Army of the Christians ; wherein Henry Duke of Breslaw , Boleslaus Son to the His Troubles . Duke of Moravia , Pompo Great Master of the Teutonick Order , and several other Persons of Note were kill'd . † † Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 76. Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 7. p. 119. The Number of dead Bodies was so incredible , that they fill'd nine great Sacks with the Christians Ears , cutting off each Head but one , after the same manner as Hanibal at the Battle of Cannae fill'd several Bushels with the Rings cut off from the Fingers of the Roman Knights only , that were there kill'd . Boleslaus had not the courage to march in Person against the Tartars when they came a second time to invade him , but retir'd with Retires into Hungary . his Court into Hungary , and thereby left his Subjects to the Mercy of their Enemies . Which base Action the Poles being extremely offended at , intended to have elected a new King ; whereupon Boleslaus , Son to Henry Duke of Breslaw that was kill'd in the Battle afterwards , was nam'd ; but Conrade vigorously opposing him , and pretending to have more Right , the Gentry , to prevent Civil Wars , recall'd their former King Bolestaus from Returns . Hungary , and in the mean time Conrade dy'd . Not long after the Tartars , together with the Lithuanians , which were hitherto Pagans , made Incursions a third time into Poland , when they pillag'd the Country up as far as Cracow ; which City , meeting with no body in it to resist'em , they both plunder'd and burnt . Afterwards they went to Vratislaw , which they found His Troubles and Wars . ready fir'd to their hands ; for the Townsmen having had timely notice of the coming of the Barbarians , had got all their Treasure together and fled , whilst the Souldiers , distrusting the Strength of the Place , and searing it might become a Prey to the Enemy , set fire to it , and retir'd into the Castle ; which having greatly incens'd the Tartars , they laid Siege to the Castle with all imaginable Vigour , and would soon have taken it , had they not been frighted from before it by a Prodigy . During this , Boleslaus march'd in Person against the Lithuanians , whom he overthrew , and kill'd their Duke Mindacus . The Prussians likewise being yet Pagans , sided with the Lithuanians , when the Teutonick Order , which was then settled in Prussia , call'd to their Assistance * * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 13. p. 103. Ottocarus King of Bohemia , who quickly reduc'd the Prussians ; and the better Koningsberg built . to keep them in Awe , built a Fort call'd Koningsberg or Royal Hill .

Boleslaus was a pious and good Prince , and lies bury'd at Cracow in a Monastery founded His Death . by himself . He built other Religious Houses , and reign'd near 50 Years ; and having made a Vow of Chastity , left no Children : Wherefore his Uncle's Son , by the Father ,

Lescus VI. 1279. LESCUS VI. surnam'd the Black , succeeded him , being elected in the Year 1279 , and reign'd only to the Year 1289. In the beginning of his Reign the Russians , summon'd by the Lithuanians and Tartars , made Incursions into His Wars . Poland under Command of Leo their Duke ; but were defeated , first by Varsias the King's General , and afterwards were beat by the King himself out of a Village where they had entrench'd themselves , which from that City of Leopol , whence so called . General 's Name has been since call'd * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 8. p. 136. Leopol , and is now a sine City . Upon this Defeat the Enemy were forc'd to retire with great Loss . Not long after they return'd again , but more to their prejudice than in the former Irruption : for then , tho their Army consisted of a Prodigious Number of Men , and an innumerable Company of Mastiff Dogs train'd up to War ; yet were they a second time routed by Lescus , insomuch that a certain People call'd Jazyges , who then inhabited a part of Lithuania , and came only to plunder in Poland , were so totally destroy'd , that there remains nothing left of 'em except the Name . But at Length the Tartars making another Irruption , had better success ; for they not only vanquish'd Lescus , but also carry'd away , besides Men , marry'd Women and Children , above twenty thousand Maids into Captivity .

An Insurrection . After this Defeat , an Insurrection was rais'd against Lescus by Paul Bishop of Cracow ; for that under the Reign of Boleslaus the Chast , Lescus had kept him about a Month in Prison . Hereupon , Conrade Duke of Masovia was invited to accept the Crown ; who , coming into Poland for that purpose , was met at Sendomir by General Varsias , Paul the Bishop , and a great Number of the Nobility . Upon this , Lescus perceiving himself forsaken , fled into He retires into Hungary . Hungary to King Vladislaus ; but the City of Cracow still bearing a respect to him , continu'd Loyal , and prepar'd to sustain a Siege : Whereupon having been summon'd to surrender , their Answer was , That they could not be trea●●berous to their lawful Soveraign Lescus , but would defend his Right to the last drop of their Blood . Hereat the Nobles being grievously nettled , resolv'd to sit down with their Army before that City ; but , upon their Approaches , finding it empty , the Inhabitants being retir'd into the Castle , they set sire to it , thinking by those means to bring the Enemy sooner to a Compliance . This done , Lescus having obtain'd a considerable Army of King Vladislaus , was marching directly towards Cracow , to relieve his besieg'd Friends ; when meeting with Conrade , who came to oppose him , near the River Raba , he entirely routed Returns with success . him , and forc'd him back again into his own Country . This hapned about the Year 1285.

His Death . This Prince dy'd , and was bury'd in the Monastery of the Trinity at Cracow .

Lescus the VI. leaving no Children , his Kingdom consequently fell into great Distractions ; for Vladislaus Locticus his Brother seiz'd on the Palatinate of Siradia , and Boleslaus Duke of Ploskow , Brother to Conrade Duke of Masovia , on the Palatinates of Cracovia and Sendomir ; but this latter was soon dispossess'd by

Henry 1. 1290. HENRY Duke of Breslaw , surnam'd the Honest , of the Family of Piastus , in the Year 1290 ; who was likewise not long after turn'd out by Locticus , but soon restor'd , and reign'd in quality of King for the space of five Years , tho I do not read he was crown'd . He appointed Premislus Duke of Great Poland , for his Successor , being of the Family of Piastus likewise . This Premislus also had the Province of Pomerania left him by Miescingus Prince of that Country .

Premislus . 1296. PREMISLUS , in the thirty eighth Year of his Age , was crown'd King at Gnesna by James Swinka Archbishop of that City , in the Title of King restor'd . Year 1296 , which was an Honour that had not been * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 40. done to any Prince of Poland before for above two hundred Years , since Boleslaus the Bold kill'd Stanislaus at the Altar ; but Premislus did not long enjoy this Title , for seven Months after his Coronation , he is said to have been Murder'd . † † Florus Polon . lib. 2 : cap. 15. p. 113. Guagnini Tom. 1. p. 97. murder'd by some Brandenburg Emissaries , that Marquess being afraid of this King who was Master of Pomerania which join'd to his Country . He was bury'd among his Predecessors at Posnan . After the Murder of King Premislus ,

Uladislaus III. 1296. ULADISLAUS LOCTICUS , ( so call'd from the word 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Hartknoch . p. 77. Lokiec , an Ell , having his Name from his low Stature ) Brother of Lescus the Black , was chosen in the Year 1296 , and reign'd only four Years . He went upon an Expedition against the Silesians that were His Wars . enclin'd to assist the Bohemians against him , who then pretended a Right to the Kingdom of Poland . These Locticus subdu'd , and having considerably ravag'd their Country , return'd home , where he afterwards gave himself up to a lewd and debauch'd Life , insomuch that His Vices . he neglected the care of all Publick Business , and minded nothing but his own private Pleasures . These his intolerable Vices brought upon him the Ill-will of his Subjects , insomuch that after three years Reign they pronounc'd him unworthy of the Scepter , and resolv'd to elect another . Hereupon Locticus being dethron'd , Dethron'd . they invite

Winceslaus K. of Bohemia . 1300. WINCESLAUS King of Bohemia to accept their Crown , who was marry'd to Rixa , Daughter of King Premislus , and crown'd King of Poland in the Year 1300 , but reign'd only to 1305. After he came to reign he persecuted Locticus , who hid himself for some time , but was forc'd at last to quit the Kingdom . When Winceslaus thus saw himself secure at home by the flight of Locticus , and after having put Bohemian Garisons into the several Cities of Poland , which seem'd very False Policy . uneasy to that Nation , he thought it high time to go and settle Affairs in Bohemia .

During this , Vladislaus Locticus having a considerable Party in the Kingdom , which daily encreas'd on account of discontent against Winceslaus ; and having got together several Troops out of Hungary , he march'd directly His Wars . towards Poland , hearing that the Bohemian Government was somewhat burdensom to that Nation . At first Locticus had considerable Advantage over the Bohemians , but by the Death of Winceslaus , which followed soon after , he had all the Success he could desire ; for the Bohemians , who had possession of the Garisons , finding themselves in a strange Country , and moreover hated and ill thought on by the People , were afraid of an Insurrection against 'em , and therefore made no great difficulty of surrendring to Locticus all those Cities and Towns they had possession of , as Cracow , Sendomir , &c. In the mean time young Winceslaus coming with an Army to dispute his Father's Kingdom with Locticus , was * * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 17. p. 118. murder'd in the Expedition , 't is thought , by Orders of the Emperour Albert ; and since his time the Bohemians have ever been govern'd by foreign Princes . Winceslaus King His Death . of Poland and Bohemia dy'd , and was bury'd at † † Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 9. p. 147. Prague in the Year 1305.

Uladislaus IV. restor'd . 1305. After the Death both of Winceslaus the Father and Son , Vladislaus Locticus was restor'd , almost by common Consent , in the Year 1305 , and reign'd to the Year 1333. And this they did , either because they thought he had had time to repent and mend his former Life , or by reason they were afraid of Civil Wars if they should elect any other . 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Ib. p. 148. & Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 18. p. 119. Notwithstanding Meets with Difficulties . the Palatinates of Posnania and Kalisch having a fresh Memory of his past dissolute Life , would never acknowledg him their King . Also the Governour of Pomerania , which then belong'd to Poland , being brib'd by the Marquess of Brandenburg , deliver'd up to him all the Cities of that Province , as likewise the City of Dantzic , except the Castle which the Governour thereof , one Bogussa , being truly loyal to his King , would by no means surrender .

Teutonic Knights establish'd in Prussia . In these days the Knights of the Teutonic Order were fully settled in Prussia , being both very Strong and very Rich. They were establish'd there by Agreement with Conrade , Brother to King Vladislaus Lasconogus , for assisting him against the Prussians when he was oppress'd by them . They there built , some years before , the City of * * Ib. p. 120. Marienburg , appointed for City of Marienburg , when built . Residence of their Great Masters . Here Locticus was oblig'd to crave their Aid against the Rebels of Pomerania and Dantzic , which they readily granted , on condition that half the Garison of the Castle of Dantzic should be of their Troops , by which means they soon became Masters of the whole ; for they afterwards not only turn'd the Poles out of the Teutonic Order troublesome to the Poles . Castle , but both Brandenburghers and Pomeranians out of the City of Dantzic it self ; and likewise under pretence of assisting the King of Poland , conquer'd all Pomerania for themselves ; when being Masters thereof , they offer'd to buy the Title of Locticus for Money , which he refus'd . Then they offer'd the same Summ to the Marquess of Brandenburg to renounce his Right to that Province ; which he , tho he had no Title to sell , yet was wise enough to accept their Prosser .

The Poles were very sensible of all these Affronts and Injustices offer'd 'em by the Teutonic Order ; but before they proceeded to Revenge , they thought it advisable to * * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 18. p. 123. acquaint the Pope therewith , who liv'd then at Avignon , who , after four years Delays and Debates , order'd the Knights to give due fatisfaction to the Poles : but they having had four years respit to fortify themselves , and to make strong Alliances with some Neighbouring Princes ; and besides , having a very considerable Army on foot , answer'd his Holiness , That they had often done great Services for Poland ; that that Kingdom ow'd them Sums of Money ; and that they presum'd that not only the Lands they were in possession of in Prussia and Pomerania , were lawfully theirs ; but that also they thought the Poles oblig'd to give 'em either more Land or more Money to recompense the several Kindnesses they had done And therefore excommunicated by the Pope . them . Hereupon the Pope excommunicates this Order ; and the Poles , under command of their King , march'd directly against 'em .

Here Locticus made an eloquent Speech to Locticus his Speech to his Army . his Army , representing the many Affronts and Injustices they had receiv'd from a little Sect of People , to which his Predecessors the Kings of Poland had out of meer Goodness given their Protection when banish'd from their own Country by the Sarazens . Then he enlarg'd upon the Covetousness and Ambition of this Order , and concluded by encouraging his Men to fight bravely , and not suffer those to become their Masters , who were at first their Vassals . Hereupon the Poles , animated by this Speech of their King , tho much inferior in Number to their Enemies , yet fought so siercely and bravely , that they entirely routed the Teutonic Overthrows the Teuronic Order . Order , and kill'd about twenty thousand of their Men , tho they themselves have had the presumption to affirm that they did not lose above five or six hundred .

* * Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 18. p. 131. Among the wounded , there was one Florianus Szari , Knight of that Order , who having his Belly open'd with a Scymiter , and his Guts dropping out , which he held up with his hands ; the King passing by , pity'd him : Whereupon the Knight said to him , Sir , A Man in his Village suffers more than I do when he has bad Neighbours . The King admiring at this dying man's Thought , immediately caus'd his Surgeons to take care of him ; and when he was well , gave him Land that had no bad Neighbours about it .

>𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 >𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 9. p. 153. Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 77 , 78. This Vladislaus , it seems , not being throughly satisfy'd with Premislus his Right , to transmit the Title of King to his Posterity without leave of the Pope , sent an Embassador to his Holiness to request a liberty for himself Is crown'd , together with his Queen , by Order of the Pope . and his Queen Hedwigis to be crown'd , which was forthwith granted , and the Ceremony perform'd in the Cathedral of Cracow by the Archbishop of Gnesna , and other Bishops , in the Year 1320. The King long after dy'd , and was bury'd at Cracow , in the Year 1333.

Casimir III. 1333. CASIMIR the Great succeeded his Father Locticus , being elected in the Year 1333 , and Makes Peace with the Teutonic Knights . reign'd to the Year 1370. He made a Peace with the Teutonic Order , that was not at all advantagious or honourable to the Polish Nation , the Knights being thereby still to remain in possession of Prussia , Dantzic and Pomerania , notwithstanding the Threatnings of the Pope , and his Bulls of Excommunication . This Casimir had no Children : He is the last Male of the Family of Piastus : Wherefore that the Crown might not go altogether out of his Family , before his Death he * * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 10. p. 166. prevail'd with the Poles to elect Charles King of Hungary his own Sister's Son ; but he dying before Casimir , his Son Lewis was chosen . The Poles had several His Conquests . times conquer'd Russia , but it was never enjoy'd peaceably till Casimir's time ; who having had better success than any of his Predecessors , annex'd it as a Province to the Crown of Poland . The Province of Masovia was likewise conquer'd by him , and annex'd to the Crown . † † Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 19. p. 135. The Poles had never hitherto any written Laws , and but very few made His other good Deeds . till Casimir began to make Institutions , name Judges , create Magistrates , build Forts , and to establish a better Oeconomy in the Kingdom than any Prince before him . The Laws and Constitutions of the Teutonic Knights seem'd very rational and political to him , having had a sensible Experience of the good Government of this Order for a considerable time : Wherefore he introduc'd their Laws into Poland , which have continu'd ever since , and are call'd the Magdeburg Laws .

His Character . This Casimir was a very lewd Prince , but withal exceeding Liberal and Just : He kept a Jewish Concubine , at whose request he granted great Privileges to that People : He gain'd so well the good Opinion and Affection of his Subjects , that he was stil'd the Father of the Poor ; and a great many * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 78. Starovolseius Descript. Polon . p. 122. Germans , who were oppress'd by their own Princes , in his time came into Poland , and have ever since inhabited the Foot of the Carpathian Mountains . The Daughter of Boguslaus , Duke of Pomerania , was then marry'd to the Emperour Charles IV. Casimir celebrated the Nuptials with great Splendor and Magnisicence at Cracow , where assisted Lewis King of Hungary , Sigismund King of Denmark , and Petrua King of Cyprus , with the Emperour , and many Princes of Germany , Poland , and other Countries .

Valachia at that time was a kind of Republick of it self , having before had Governours , which they call'd Hospodars ; the last of which being dead , and his Children aspiring to the same Dignity , Casimir sent an Army to support His Wars . 'em , but by an Ambush of the Valachians , plac'd in a Wood , was entirely defeated . Casimir dy'd soon after this of a Fall from his His Death . Horse , and was bury'd at Cracow . This King reign'd thirty seven Years , and liv'd sixty . † † Bizardiere Histoire des Dietes , p. 1. Guagnini Tom. 1. p. 102. He was surnam'd the Great ( being the only Person that had had that Title among the Polish Princes ) not because he had gain'd a great many Victories , but by reason of the many beautiful Structures and Fortresses he had built , as likewise of the many beneficial Laws and Constituions which he had made .

Casimir , being the last King of the Family of Piastus , had caus'd his own Nephew by his Sister ,

Lewis King of Hungary , 1370. LEWIS , King of Hungary , to be elected for his Successor during his Life-time , who was crown'd accordingly in Poland in the Year 1370 , and reign'd 12 Years . The Poles were not extraordinarily well satisfied with him , being a Foreign Prince , and therefore Oblig'd to take an Oath . oblig'd him before they would crown him , to take an * * Radevicus lib. 1. cap. 3. p. 13. Oath , not only to maintain their former Privileges , but also to enlarge 'em ; for hitherto the Successors of Piastus had almost had an absolute Power in Poland , a great deal more than their present Kings have .

Returns into Hungary . After some time Lewis was forc'd to return into Hungary to settle some Affairs there , when he left the Administration of the Government , during his Absence , to his Mother Elizabeth . His going away occasion'd great Troubles , for the Russians rebell'd , and the Lithuanians made Incursions into the very Heart of Poland . The Poles also were divided among themselves ; they could not endure to see their Towns in the hands of Hungarian Garisons ; and besides , they were so much displeas'd with their King 's leaving 'em to the Government of his Mother , whom they neither lov'd nor esteem'd , that they sent to acquaint him , that they thought it Honour enough for himself to govern Poland . All these Troubles and Distrusts soon oblig'd the King to return into Poland with a strong Army of Hungarians , where he first march'd His Wars . against the Rebel Russians , and subdu'd them ; next against the Lithuanians , and oblig'd them to a Peace : soon after which he dy'd , and was His Death , buried at Belgrade in Hungary , in the 56th Year of his Age , having reigned 12 Years . He And Issue . left two Daughters , but no Sons , one of which married to Sigismund the Emperor's Son , and the other , nam'd Hedwigis , he left to succeed him in the Kingdom of Poland .

* * Chwalkowski singularia Polonica p. 20. Florus Polon . lib. 2. cap. 20. p. 145 , 146. Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 11. p. 189 , &c. This Prince was very curious to know what Opinion People had of him , and was also exact in reforming the Faults they laid to his A commendable Example . Charge . For this purpose he was wont to disguise himself , and enquire among the People how they lik'd their King , and what they thought amiss in him ; and according to their Answers he redress'd the Grievances suggested to him .

My Lord , I have hitherto given you a succinct Account of the Family of Piastus ; next I shall proceed to present your Lordship likewise with that of Jagello , being still a Continuation of Piastus his Family in the Line of a Daughter .

Of the Family of Jagello .

When Lewis King of Poland and Hungary dy'd , his Daughter Hedwigis being with her Mother the Queen Dowager in Hungary , the Poles , tho there were several Princes of the Race of Piastus left in Poland and Silesia , yet either because they did not think them deserving , or else by reason that they believ'd 'em engag'd in their Enemies Interests , sent a solemn Embassy for the young Princess

Queen Hedwigis 1382. HEDWIGIS , who soon came into Poland , with Cardinal Demetrius , the Bishop of Strigonia , and several others of the chief Nobility of Hungary . At her arrival the Poles receiv'd her with great Joy , Splendor and Magnificence ; and the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , Bozenta , crown'd her after the usual Ceremonies at Cracow , on the Feast of St. Hedwigis ( always religiously observ'd in Poland ) in the Year 1382 , and she reign'd alone four Years . This young Princess , being not yet marry'd , Has several Suitors . had several noble Suitors , among which Ziemovitus Duke of Masovia was the first , whom she refus'd ; the next was William of Austria , who came in Person to court her : Him she lik'd , but the Senate of Poland would by no means consent to a Marriage with him , having always had a Maxim ( which they never hitherto broke ) that they would by no means admit any of that Family to their Crown , and this , fearing so powerful a Neighbour might one time or other find means to make himself Absolute in their Country . But at last Jagello great Duke of Lithuania had better Fortune , for he soon obtain'd her by the great Is married to Jagello , who becomes a Christian . and advantagious Proffers he made the Poles . He first promis'd to embrace the Christian Religion with all his Country , who were before Fagans : Next to unite Lithuania to Poland , during his time , under the same form of Government ; and lastly , that in case his Male Race fail'd , it should for ever after be annex'd to that Kingdom . Hereupon Jagello was baptiz'd , and takes upon him the Name of

Jagello , or Uladislaus V. 1386. ULADISLAUS V. and after having consummated the Marriage with Hedwigis , was consecrated by the Arch-bishop Bozenta in the Year 1386. and reign'd 48 Years . Not long after his Coronation he went with Priests into Lithuania , Converts the Lithuanians . and in a twelve Month's time converted all that Nation ; but this not so much by their Preaching and Vigilance , as by his own exemplary Zeal and Perswasion . * * Herb. de Fulst . l. 13. p. 207. Hartkn . l. 1. c. 2. p. 87. After Founds the Vniversity of Cracow . this he erected the University of Cracow , which Casimir the Great had only begun , and sent to Prague in Bohemia for learned Men to instruct the Youth in all manner of Sciences , which had never before been taught in this Country . About this time Queen Hedwigis Hedwigis dies . dy'd , after having endow'd the University , to encourage Learning .

His Wars with the Teutonic Order . This Prince had long Wars with the Teutonic Order , which then very much insulted over the Frontiers of his Kingdom ; whereupon the Poles were not a little enclin'd to be reveng'd on this proud and powerful People . Now Poland not being alone sufficient to withstand 'em , Jagello made up a considerable Army of Poles , Lithuanians , Russians and Tartars , with all which he march'd directly towards them , who were got ready to receive him with a Body of about 140000 Men ; yet notwithstanding , after a long and doubtful Fight , the Poles happen'd to have the better , and entirely routed the Teutonic Army , killing their great Master Conrade of Thuningen with about 30000 Souldiers , and near 15000 taken Prisoners . This Victory the Poles pursued so far , that they took most of the Towns in Prussia , and doubtless had entirely destroy'd that Order had not the Emperor Sigismund ' come to their Relief , who soon forc'd the Poles to make Peace with 'em , and to restore all they had taken from 'em . Afterwards Jagello had several other Conflicts with the Teutonic Order , in all which he conquer'd .

His Death , He dy'd of a Fever in Russia after having reign'd forty eight Years and some Months , and lies buried in the Cathedral at Cracow . This King had had four Wives , all which he And Issue . caus'd to be crown'd , and two Sons , Vladislaus VI. and Casimir IV. Tho his Son

Uladislaus VI. 1435. ULADISLAUS the Sixth was but nine Years old when his Father dy'd , yet after long Debates and great Opposition in the Diet , he was elected at Briescia in the Year 1435 , and reign'd ten Years . * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 2. p. 167. He was so young when he was chosen , that his Coronation Oath was fain to be dispens'd with , his Mother Sophia and some of the Peers having promis'd he should take it when he came of Age. The Senate , Regents . In the mean time the Senate were Regents during his Minority .

Some while after the Tartars made great Incursions into Podolia which then belong'd to Poland , when having kill'd the Polish General Bucarius , and the greatest part of his Army , they retir'd with great Booty into their own Country .

After this , by the Death of the Emperor Albert , Hungary having no King to defend it against the Turks who threaten'd it on all sides , sent Embassadors to Vladislaus to entreat him to come and be their King , which , after some Deliberation , he accepted of ; and going into that Kingdom , notwithstanding the Cabals and Party of the Empress Elizabeth , who was left four Months gone with Child , he was crown'd King of Hungary at Buda . The Child Uladislaus crown'd King of Hungary . the Empress went with was afterwards born , and call'd Ladislaus ; but she dying not long after , left King Vladislaus in Peace , at least at home , till the Turks oblig'd him to take Arms for his Defence abroad ; for Amurath , Emperor of the Turks , was not only then on his March to besiege Belgrade in Person , but also commanded the Hungarians to pay him Tribute . Hereupon Vladislaus was forc'd to declare His Wars with the Turks . War against him , and under the Command of Huniades sent an Army made up of Poles and Hungarians to oppose him , which coming upon him by Night , surprized the Turkish Army near the River Morava in Hungary , and made such a slaughter of 'em that 't is thought the Turks lost above 30000 Men that day . After this happy Victory Vladislaus banish'd all those Infidels out of Hungary , and pursu'd 'em to the very Frontiers of Macedon in Greece , where he gain'd a second Battel over Carambeius General of the Troops of Asia , took him Prisoner , and drove his Army into Mountains and inaccessible Places . The King was wounded in this Action .

* * Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 14. p. 172 , &c. Upon this occasion John Palcologus Emperor of Constantinople , the Pope , and many other Complimented by Christian Princes on his Victory . Christian Princes , sent Embassadors to compliment him . Afterwards Amurath , under pretence of ransoming Carambeius , sent Ministers to treat of a Peace , but Vladislaus would only agree to a Truce for ten Years . After this the Gentry of Poland sent to their King Vladislaus to return among 'em ; but he being advis'd by several Christian Princes , especially the Pope who sent a Nuncio to him on purpose , to break the Truce and continue the War , instead of complying with the Poles Request , march'd immediately with all the Troops he could get together , into Bulgaria , and came to Nicopolis Capital of this Province , where † † Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 2. p. 175. Dromla or Dracula , Palatin of Moldavia , meeting him , he earnestly entreated him to keep his Royal Promise with the Turks , tho Enemies to the Christian Belief ; but perceiving the King 's inflexible Resolution to continue the War , gave him 4000 Men under his own Son's Command . In the mean while Amurath , who after the Truce agreed upon with Vladislaus went to conquer a certain People of Asia , call'd Caramani , hearing of this great Army's marching against him , turn'd his Forces , consisting , as Jovius relates , of about 80000 Men , to meet 'em , and near the Town of Varna fought 'em ; where by his Camels frighting the Polish and Hungarian Horse , together with the invincible Courage of his Janizaries , he entirely defeated the Christian Army , and kill'd King Vladislaus Kill'd and routed by the Turks . in the Year 1445. Whereupon some body made a Satyrical Epitaph upon this unfortunate King , as follows .

* * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 88. Romulidae Cannas , ego Varnam Clade notavi : Discite Mortales non temerare fidem . Me nisi Pontifices jussissent rumpere Foedus , Non ferret Scythicum Pannonis Ora Jugum .

Ever after this , the Turks always fortified themselves against the Christians , who they thought could never keep either their Oaths or Word ; and not long after Mahomet the Great took Constantinople in the Year 1453 , wherein Constantin Paleologus , the last Christian Emperor of the East , was crowded to death in one of the Gates . King Vladislaus leaving no Children , his Brother

Casimir IV. 1446. CASIMIR , great Duke of Lithuania , was elected next , and crown'd in the Year 1446 , and reign'd forty five Years . He married His Marriage . the Princess Elizabeth , Daughter to the Emperor Albert II.

In the beginning of his Reign the Prussians threw off the heavy Yoke of the Teutonic Order , and put themselves under Casimir's Protection . Assists the Prussians against the Teutonic Knights . Hereupon this King went in Person into Prussia to take their Allegiance and Fidelity , where he likewise granted them many Privileges ; who thereupon oblig'd themselves , especially at Dantzic , to maintain the King and his Court for four days , whenever he should please to come again in Person among 'em . In the mean time the Teutonic Knights got together a strong Army in Bohemia and Germany , with which they immediately march'd against Casimir , and routed him before he could execute his Designs of besieging Is routed by that Order . Marienburg , and several other Towns which that Order had yet left in Prussia . Casimir , not a little sensible of this Affront , to lose a Battel where he himself was like to have been kill'd , call'd a Diet , and prevail'd so far upon the Gentry as to grant him half their Yearly Revenues to carry on the War against the Teutonic Order . By which means after a long and obstinate Dispute , he at last oblig'd 'em to accept of Articles of Peace , wherein the Pope's Nuncio was Mediator . By this Agreement they were to restore to Poland all Tet obtains an advantagious Peace . Pomerania , the Territories of Culm and Michalow , with the Cities of Marienburg , Stuma and Elbing ; and were to be left in possession of the rest , only on condition that their Great Master for ever after should be Prince and Senator of Poland , and take Oath of Fidelity to the King . The Moldavians likewise by their Hospodar desire Casimir's Protection against the Turks , and offer to take an Oath to him as Vassals , and a Tributary Nation , which they continu'd for a long while after .

His Issue . This King had four Sons , whereof Vladislaus was first chosen King of Bohemia , and afterwards of Hungary ; for this last Kingdom , after their King's Death , had entreated Casimir to send one of his Sons to reign over them . Whereupon Vladislaus , then King of Bohemia , march'd speedily into Hungary with a small Body , to prevent any of his Brothers pretending to that Crown : Nevertheless , his Brother John Albert went soon after with another Army to oppose him , and met and fought him ; but Vladislaus having got the better , was crown'd not long after ; yet he was kind to his Brother , and gave him some Towns in Silesia , which then belong'd to Bohemia .

Deputies first admitted to the Diet. In the time of this King Casimir , the Deputies of the Provinces first appear'd at the Diet : For before , the King and Senators had the supreme Power of making Laws . * * Lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 89. Hartknoch says , that till this King's Reign the Latin Tongue was very rarely spoken in Poland ; for that when the King of Sueden had a certain Interview with Casimir at Dantzic , neither Casimir nor any of his Court could discourse with him in Latin , but were fain to be beholden to a Monk to do that Office for them ; which Casimir being much asham'd of , publickly commanded all his Officers forthwith to set about the Study of that Language ; from which time the Poles have continu'd great Prosicients therein , nay , beyond any other Nation whatsoever .

His Death . This Prince dy'd in the Year 1492 , and lies bury'd at Cracow , having reign'd forty five Years , and liv'd sixty four .

John Albert . 1493. JOHN ALBERT succeeded his Father Casimir , being thought the fittest , tho I do not read he was the eldest of his Sons . He was crown'd King in the Year 1493 , and reign'd His Character , with that of the Valachians . nine Years . This Prince was very ambitions , but withal unfortunate ; for designing to reduce the Valachians , who were then Vassals to Poland , and who , according to the Condition they saw that Kingdom in , would refuse or pay Obedience , and who would sometimes side with the Turks and Tartars to ravage it : * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 4. p. 198. He , the better to compass his Intentions , pretended to make War against the Turk , and for that purpose march'd with his Army through Valachia , as if he design'd nothing but to make his way into Turky ; but being once got into this Country , he caus'd his Souldiers to pick a quarrel with the Valachians for not providing them with Forage as they desir'd ; which however was not an easy matter to do for an Army of 80000 Men which he His Policy and Army defeated by the Valachians . had with him . Hereupon he besieges Sozisaw , one of their strongest Towns ; but the Inhabitants defended themselves so well , and Stephen their Hospodar so fatigu'd the Besiegers by taking their Convoys and intercepting their Provisions , that at last Albert was forc'd to raise the Siege , and return into his own Country ; when the Hospodar greedily pursuing him , destroy'd great ●●art of his Army in a Wood , where he had laid an Ambush . Soon after this the Hospodar , to be farther reveng'd on the Poles , call'd to his Assistance the Turks and Tartars , who all joining together , enter'd Poland with a prodigious Army , and carry'd away about 100000 Captives , of which the greatest Part were Russians . The Moldavians and Valachians quickly return'd home , but the Turks out of covetousness of Plunder , stay'd till the great Frosts and Snow surpriz'd 'em , when not being us'd to such excessive Cold as this Country is subject to , above 40000 of them were frozen to death . * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 4. p. 201. Some among 'em that escap'd were forc'd to cut open their Horses bellies , and thrust themselves into them to preserve their natural Heat . After this , Makes Peace with the Valachians and Turks . John Albert made peace with the Valachians , and Bajazet Emperour of the Turks . Next he went in Person into Prussia to oblige Frederic Duke of Saxony , then Great Master of the Teutonic Order , to take Oath of Fidelity to him , which he had for some time refus'd , but dy'd suddenly at Thorn before he could effect His Death . his design . Albert leaving no Children , the Diet thought fit to elect his Brother

Alexander . 1501. ALEXANDER , Great Duke of Lithuania , the better to renew their Alliance with that Country . This Prince being proclaim'd King , comes to Cracow , where by his Brother Frederic , Cardinal and Archbishop of Gnesna , he was crown'd in the Year 1501 , and reign'd only five Years ; but the Archbishop † † Herburt . de Fulstin . lib. 19. p. 348. Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 90. refus'd to do the like Office for his Queen Helena , because she was of the Greek Church , being Daughter to John Great Duke of Muscovy ; which Country are all of that Persuasion . Soon after that he was crown'd , his Father-in-Law , His Wars . the Great Duke , made War upon him , and besieg'd the City of Smolensko , Capital of a large Province of the same Name ; but Alexander coming in time to relieve it , oblig'd the Muscovite to make Peace for six Years . In his time also the Moldavians and Tartars made Irruptions into Poland , but were beaten back with great Loss ; insomuch that 't is said , there were kill'd only of the Tartars in that Action near 20000. The King was not in Person at this Victory , he then lying sick at Vilna , Capital His Death . of Lithuania , where he dy'd soon after , and was buried in that City .

His Character . * * Fulstin . lib. 20. p. 356. He was of a middle Stature , had a long Visage and black Hair ; was very strong built , but exceeding dull-witted , and consequently but a little Talker . He exceeded all his Brothers in Generosity , and was wont to delight much in Musicians and such trifling Artists . Nevertheless , this his Liberality was generally esteem'd but Prodigality , insomuch that some were so hold as to say , That he dy'd in time , or else both Poland and Lithuania might have been lavish'd away . To prevent the like pernicious Generosity for the future , † † Hartkn . l. 1. c. 2. p. 90. the Diet made a Law , calling it Statutum Alexandrinum , by which they revok'd all this King 's profuse Gifts . Alexander leaving no Children , and but two Brothers , the Archbishop of Gnesna dying before him ,

Sigismund I. 1507. SIGISMUND was preferr'd to Vladislaus , King of Hungary and Bohemia , either because the Gentry were more affected to him , being bred among 'em , or by reason they were afraid of Vladislaus's great Power . He was elected at Petricovia in the Year 1507 , and reign'd forty one Years .

When Sigismund left his Government of Lithuania to come into Poland , he substituted one Glinski , a great ●●avourite of the late King 's , in his room . * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 6. p. 213 , &c. This Palatin having great Authority among the Lithuanians , became so ambitious as to think of making himself Absolute ; which concealing for a good while , at length he agreed with Basilius Great Duke of Muscovy , to allow him his share of that Province in case he would afford him his Assistance ; which Proposal the Great Duke being pleas'd with , readily consented to , and with all Expedition dispatch'd away an Army to Glinski : but as such great Designs are not Defeats a great Conspiracy and Army . to be carried on without great Noise and Suspicions , Sigismund came soon to hear of this treacherous Enterprize ; whereupon drawing up all his Forces to oppose the intended Invasion , he meets and defeats their Army , ravages and destroys their Country , and at last obliges them to sue for Peace , which he not without some difficulty granted .

His other Wars . Afterwards the Valachians and Tartars making Incursions into Russia and Poland , he forces them to return home with great Loss . The Muscovites likewise making War upon him a second time , and taking the City of Smolensko , with all the Country about it , he beat their Armies in several Engagements , and having kill'd in all above 30000 of their Men , retook Smolensko , and made 'em accept of a Peace the second time for five Years . He soon after His Marriage . married Buona Sforza , Daughter to John Galeatio Duke of Milan . Afterwards he made His War with the Teutonic Order . War with the Knights of the Teutonic Order , the reason of which was , because Albert Marquess of Brandenburgh his Sister's Son , and then Great Master , refus'd to take an Oath as it was agreed in the late Wars . Hereupon Sigismund took from him some Towns , and had great Advantages over him in several Engagements ; but however Albert having considerable Succors sent him from Germany , prolong'd the War for a good while in Prussia .

About this time Martin Luther's Doctrine came to be known in these Parts , and most of the Citizens of * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 6. p. 226. Dantzic embrac'd it ; for which at first the King was very severe with them , but at length , fearing that to preserve their Religion they might side with the Teutonic Order against him , he granted them Liberty of Conscience . All this while that Order made vigorous Resistance , and with equal Loss on both sides , fatigu'd the Polish Army , till at last it was agreed by both Parties to make the Emperor Charles V. and Lewis King of Hungary Arbitrators ; who determin'd that Sigismund should relinquish to the Marquess of Brandenburg all the Eastern part of Prussia ( which is above half of that great Province ) and that he and his Heirs should Ended by Mediation . for ever enjoy it ( as they have actually done ever since ) without any disturbance from Sigismund ; but the Marquess of Brandenburg , as Duke of Prussia , for himself and his Heirs was to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Kings of Poland , and to send to their Service every Year in time of War a hundred Horse ready equipt , which those Kings were to maintain at their own Charges from the time they went out of Prussia .

At this time the House of Austria was not a little jealous of the exorbitant Power and vast Dominions of the Family of Jagello : for not only Sigismund possess'd Poland , the great Dutchies of Lithuania , Smolensko and Severia , and likewise all the Countries between the Euxine and Baltic Seas ; but also his Nephew Lewis , Son of Vladislaus , was King of Hungary , Bohemia and Silesia , insomuch that they secretly rais'd several Enemies against them ; whereupon the Muscovites , Moldavians and Tartars came a third time to molest Poland , but were forc'd to withdraw after having done some Mischief . About this time Solyman the Great , Emperor of the Turks , made War with Hungary , and gain'd the famous Battel of Mobac , where King Lewis and the flower of his Army were slain , and the better part of Hungary subjected to the Turk . This King Lewis left only one Daughter , How the Emperor came by Hungary , Bohemia and Silesia . which was married to Ferdinand of Austria , whereby that House came into possession of the Kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia , as likewise of Silesia , all which it enjoys to this day . Sigismund dy'd not long after the Council of Trent begun , being 82 Years old , and having reign'd about 40 with great Success .

Paulus Jovius says that in this King's time there were three Heroes , viz. the Emperor Charles V. Francis I. King of France , and Sigismund I. King of Poland , each of which deserv'd alone to govern the Universe , had they not happen'd to live at the same time .

His Character , Marriages , and Issue . This King was as famous in Peace as War , being adorn'd with more Vertues than any Prince of Poland before him . Besides which Perfections of his Mind , he had also great Strength of * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 90. Body ; for he is reported to have been accustom'd to snap Horseshoes asunder , and to have broke the strongest Ropes with his Hands only , as I am credibly inform'd the Elector of Saxony , at present King of Poland , has often done . He had two Wives , Barbara Daughter of Stephen Woievod of Transilvania , by whom he had one Daughter nam'd Hedwigis , married to Joachim , Marquess of Brandenburg ; and another Wife Buona Sforza , mention'd before , who brought him four Daughters , which were Isabel , married to John King of Hungary , Sophia to the Duke of Brunswick , and Ann and Catherine , both successively to the King of Sweden ; and one Son Sigismund Augustus , who succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Poland .

A false Christ . † † Guagnini Tom. 1. p. 125. Martin Bielski , a Polander , who writ the Annals of his Country in his Native Language , mentions , that in the beginning of this King's Reign , a certain Gentleman nam'd James Melstinski Starosta of Brezina , being not a little beside himself , pretended to be Christ descended again upon the Earth ; and consequently , together with one Peter Zatorski , a Citizen of Cracow , and eleven others of the same stamp , set forward through divers Cities and Villages , canting and imposing upon the common People all along as they went ; sometimes he pretended to raise the Dea●● , which he seemingly effected by help of 〈◊〉 Compact with some of his fellow Impostors . Next he work'd several pretended Miracles by Legerdemain , as by finding things in places where it was almost impossible for them to be , which nevertheless he had prudently taken care to lay there before , as Fish in Bogs , and the like . Afterwards he went to the Monastery of Cestochow , where it seems he was not known . Here he caus'd one of his Followers to pretend to be possess'd with the Devil , who thereupon being immediately seiz'd on was led by the Monks to the Altar at a time when a great Concourse of People were gathered together to hear Mass ; but the Impostor having provided himself a large Coat with several deep and winding Plights , as likewise of divers small Pebbles which he had wrap'd up in his Sa●● , broke furiously from those that held him , and immediately leap'd upon the Altar , where seizing upon all the Offerings , he soon convey'd them into these obscure Folds of his Coat , when the Monks going to search him with great Violence , found only the Stones in his Sash , which they believing to be the Money transmuted by the Power of the Devil , immediately fell to exorcising the Stones ; but finding the same Species still remain , they threw down their Books in great Indignation , and cry'd , Talem Daemonem nunquam experti sumus , abite cum eo ad omnes Daemones . By help of the Money they had thus got by this Cheat , they travell'd all over Silesia , and at last came to a Gentleman's House where they told his Wife , that Christ and his Apostles were come to visit her , and that she must make some Offering , and her Soul should be sav'd ; to which the Woman reply'd , that her Husband was from home , and therefore she could not possibly comply with their Requests : whereupon they demanded of her , if she had any Linen to sacrifice ; she answered , she had , and presently fetch'd them down a small parcel , which they receiving from her hands , told her , they would keep that for themselves , and Christ should bless her , and encrease her Store : whereupon , enquiring farther if she had any more , she shew'd them another Parcel ; but they being about to do the like by that as they did by the other , she told them , her Husband not being within , she durst by no means part with it : which Answer displeasing these Impostors , they privily slid a piece of lighted Coal among the Linen , which the Woman not knowing any thing of , took the parcel and lock'd it up in her Chest as before , but which not long after bursting out into a Flame , first burnt the Chest , and then the House . The Husband coming home and finding his House on fire , enquir'd into the cause of it ; whereupon his Wife answer'd , that because she had treated Christ disrespectfully who came to visit her , this Judgment had befallen them . At this the Man flying out into a Passion , cry'd , This was an Impostor , and no Christ ; wherefore calling his Neighbours together , they pursued them close till they heard of them in a Village hard by , which the false Saviour being inform'd of , said to that Apostle of his , nam'd Peter , Peter , now is my Hour come , and the time wherein I am to drink that bitter Draught approaches , which I have no other way to avoid but by leaping out at this Window : To which Peter reply'd , I also will follow my Master's Example , that I may live . Whereupon they both leap'd out at the Window , and the rest of the Apostles fled also their several ways ; but the deluded Countrymen closely pursuing them , at length overtook them , and surrounding them , with Clubs , Scourges , and the like , laid them on most unmercifully , crying all the while , Prophesy to us , O Christ , with thy Disciples , in what Wood did these Clubs and Scourges grow . By this severe Discipline these Impostors having been totally reform'd , confess'd that it was no small Task to imitate Christ and his Apostles .

Before his Death , Sigismund got the Diet to elect his Son

Sigismund II. 1548. SIGISMUND II. surnam'd afterwards Augustus , who was crown'd in the Year 1548 , and reign'd to 1576. * * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 7. p. 238 , &c. Guagnini Rerum Polon . Tom. 1. p. 128 , &c. The Diet was very angry His Marriage displeases the Diet. with him , that after his Coronation he married the Lady Radzivil Widow to a Woievod without their Consent , which is against the Constitution of that Kingdom ; but this Queen dying soon after without Children , they agreed to his Marriage with the Princess Catharine , another Widow of the House of Austria , which was before married to Francis Duke of Mantua .

In his time Livonia , which is a great Province that lies between Prussia , Swedeland , Muscovy and Lithuania , whereof part belonged to the Teutonic Order , and part to the Arch-bishop of Riga , being the whole under Protection of the Empire , was like to have been over-run by the Great Duke of Muscovy , who brought thither a powerful Army for that purpose , and took most of its Towns . Whereupon the Inhabitants finding they were not able alone to resist so great a Force , sent to the Emperor Ferdinand for Relief , who , being then busied in other Wars , answer'd , he could spare 'em none ; but gave 'em leave to have recourse to whose Protection they thought fit . Some therefore among them put themselves under Eric King of Sweden ; but the Arch-bishop of Riga , and the Great Master of the Teutonic Order , with all the Nobility and Gentry , requested the Assistance of Sigismund King of Poland , who would by no means grant it them , unless they would submit themselves entirely to his Obedience , and take Oath of Fidelity accordingly ; next that they should give up all their Towns and Country , and lastly , annex Livonia for ever to Poland . To these Terms the Livonians were neither ready nor willing to submit ; however , at length they thought it better to condescend to these Proposals , than be forc'd to accept of worse from the irresistible Fury of the Muscovites ; and therefore , Livonia united to Poland . having maturely deliberated on the matter , consented that Gothotred Ketler , a Gentleman of Westphalia , then Great Master and General of their Army , should publickly abdicate his Mastership , and give up to Nicholas Radzivil Palatin of Vilna , deputed for that purpose by the King , the City and Citadel of Riga , and declare Livonia from thenceforward subject to Poland , which was accordingly done ; and at the same time , by Order of the King his Master , Radzivil proclaim'd First Duke of Curland and Semigallia . Gothotred Ketler * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 8. Duke of Curland and Semigallia , which are two Provinces of Livonia ; and next day by further Orders , declar'd him Vice-roy and Governour of Livonia . These two Provinces of Curland and Semigallia Ketler's Posterity have enjoy'd ever since by Hereditary Succession , but still as Vassals to Poland .

Upon this Agreement the King declares His Wars with the Muscovites . War immediately against the Muscovites , who were then very strong , having just before taken from the Tartars the Kingdoms of Astracan and Casan ; nevertheless he defeated their Army upon the Frontiers of Lithuania , and forc'd 'em to retire into their own Country , but they soon return'd a second time , commanded by their Czar , John Basilowits , tho with as little success as before .

* * Florus Polon . lib. 3. cap. 7. p. 255. This Czar is reported to have been a most cruel Tyrant , it having been his chief Diversion to invent new ways of torturing , insomuch that 't is said , that to boil and roast both his own Subjects and the Prisoners he took , was the least Punishments he made 'em suffer . It would be both tedious and horrid to hear all the Tortures he us'd towards Men , Women and Children . He was wont to recompense such as invented new ways of Torture ; but these his inhuman Cruelties did so exasperate his Subjects , that Sigismund found no great difficulty to force him to a Peace .

After this Sigismund sent a small Army into Valachia , to support Bogdan in his Intentions to make himself Prince thereof ; but the Valachians , assisted by the Turks , soon oblig'd the Poles to return home .

Lutheran Religion propagated . † † Neugebaver . lib. 8. Hist. Polon . p. 572 , &c. In this King's Reign the Lutheran Religion got great ground in Poland , the cause of which was a Quarrel , upon account of a Whore , between the Courtiers and Scholars , which induc'd the latter to retire into Germany , where they first imbib'd these Principles , and which upon their return they not a little propagated in their own Country . The first Person of note that embrac'd this Religon , was Johannes a Lasco Palatin of Lanschet , who in the Year 1540 left his Government , and went into Holland and England ; and at his return , converted several to that Perswasion . All this while the King gave disturbance to none that abjur'd the Roman Faith , but rather * * Sarnitius lib. 8. Annal. Polon . ad An. 1552. p. 394. favour'd them , having heard several of their Preachers in his Court , particularly two , Johannes Cosminis and Laurencius Prasnitius , which occasion'd most of the Bishops to be enclin'd to that Belief .

Here cannot well be omitted a great Escape King Sigismund had at Koningsberg in Ducal Prussia , whither being invited by Albert Marquess of Brandenburg , and at his Reception saluted with all the Cannon , by negligence of a Gunner a Bullet was left in one of them , which when fir'd came so near the King as to dash out one † † Neugebaver lib. 8. p. 585 , &c. Wisnoviec's Brains , who march'd just behind him .

The Commonwealth of Babina . In Sigismund's 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Sarnitius lib. 8. Annal. Polon . p. 395. time flourish'd the jocular Commonwealth of Babina , consisting of several merry Gentlemen of Lublin , who met together at a place call'd Babin to exercise their Wits upon all occasions . This Meeting , to procure the greater respect for their Proceedings , they modell'd into the form of the Government of the Kingdom , electing a King and Senate , together with divers Officers and Magistrates . As whenever any among them talk'd out of his Sphere , and meddled with matters that did no ways belong to him , they created him an Arch-bishop or Palatin ; such a one as made a great many Blunders , and delighted in Contradictions , they chose for their Speaker or Chancellor ; and whoever boasted too inordinately of his Valour , they prefer'd to be their General , passing immediately a Patent for that purpose , and which was to be presented to him with a great deal of Submission by the Bragadochios of a Minor Character ; but if the Person elect refus'd this Command , they persecuted him with hissing and hooting till he had accepted it . Thus they created several other Senators of different Qualities , whence it followed that in short time they became judicious Censurers , wary Talkers , modest Observers , humble Performers , and true Relaters of any Exploit . Whenever they admitted any of their Society , they first enquir'd into his Abilities , and requir'd a Specimen of his Parts , and this to determine the better what Office or Employment he was fittest to execute in their Commonwealth , they having several others of an inferior Rank besides those we have already mention'd : As if any one introduc'd an impertinent Discourse of his Hounds or his Hawks , him they immediately made either their Huntsinan or their Faulkoner : Likewise if a Man run out too much upon Religion , he was constituted their Chaplain ; and where any dealt too much in Matters of Controversy , he was forthwith ordain'd their Inquisitor : lastly , where a Man was too exuberant in his Discourse about Horses , or Houshold Affairs , him they either promoted to be their Master of the Horse , or their Majordomo . By these means in a little time they reform'd most of the Abuses and Indecorums crept into the Government of Poland , and prov'd than the force of Satyr is of no less benefit than that of Oratory . At length this pleasant Constitution came to the King's Ear , who was often delighted with hearing of their Transactions ; and one day enquiring after their dignified Members , he ask'd , whether they had any King among them ? to which the Starosta of Babina , who was most celebrated for his pleasant Countenance and jocular Humour , reply'd , Far be it from us , most Serene Monarch , that we should make choice of any other King while your Majesty is living . Which Answer so extreamly pleas'd Sigismund that he laugh'd heartily , and was so far from shewing any signs of Dislike , that by several Expressions which dropt from him he occasion'd great Mirth in all the Company . Afterwards there arising some grave Disputes in this Society about the Antiquity of the Monarchies of Persia , Greece and Rome , a certain merry Fellow started up and cry'd , What makes you thus boast , Gentlemen , of the Antiquity and Extent of these Monarchies , when ours of Babina is much more antient and of wider Bounds than them all ? What says David ? Omnis Homo Mendax , all Men are Liars ; wherefore the whole Earth must consequently have been comprehended within the Limits of our Jurisdiction from all Ages . His Opinion was unanimously receiv'd with Applause . This Society further boasts of having always had Privileges and Immunities from Emperors and Kings : but still such as were too severe in their Reflections , were not to be admitted of this Republick . The place where this Assembly met the Members term'd Gelda , being the word that the Dantzickers use for a Tavern , and which the Poles apply to a merry Company of witty Fellows .

His Death . Sigismund died of a Chronical Distemper at Knyssin in the Consines of Lithuania , &c , and left no Children , but had two Sisters surviving , Catherine and Ann , the former of which was first married to John Duke of Finland , and then to the King of Sweden ; she was Mother to Sigismund III. who was afterwards King of Sweden and Poland . Ann liv'd a long while a Maid till she was married to Stephen Batori Prince of Transilvania , and afterwards King of Poland .

Jagellonic Family extinct . After this Sigismund's Death the Male Race of the Jagellonic Family was quite extinct .

I am afraid I have almost tir'd your Lordship's Patience with this prolix Narrative of the second and third Classes of the Kings of Poland , yet I can safely aver that I have been as concise as the Subject Matter would hear , since I have run through the Course of about 800 Years ; where your Lordship may observe , that tho these Princes could never prevail with their Subjects to declare their Kingdom Hereditary , yet they had sometimes Influence sufficient over them , to cause them to elect their Children for their Successors while they themselves were yet alive : And likewise sometimes the great Service they had render'd their Country , oblig'd the Poles in Gratitude to advance their Issue to the Throne after their Deaths : Besides , the natural Affection which this Country always bore to the Royal Family , enclin'd them to elect the next Relation to the deceased King . But notwithstanding after Sigismund the Second's Death , tho there were several of the Family of Piastus and Jagello remaining alive , both in Poland and Silesia , yet the Poles , for fear so long and so uninterrupted a Succession of Princes of the same Line might subject them to a Despotic Monarchy , as they almost were in Sigismund's time , resolv'd to choose Kings out of other Families , as they effectually did afterwards out of France , Transilvania and Sweden , which it would be too tedious to give your Lordship a Relation of ; and therefore to ease your Impatience , I will subscribe my self ,

My LORD , Your Lordship 's most Obedient Humble Servant , B. C.

LETTER III. To his Grace WILLIAM Duke of Devonshire , Lord Steward of His Majesty's Houshold .

Of the Succession and Remarkable Actions of the fourth Class of the Kings of Poland , consisting of mixt Families , from the Year 1574 , to 1674.

My LORD ;

THE great Esteem and true Respect which your eminent Qualities and gallant Behaviour , both beyond Sea and at home , command from all those who have heard of your Name , made me ambitious to give your Grace , in this Account of Poland , a Testimony of mine , and congratulate my self in the Honour of being known to so great a Person . The Subject , my Lord , I thought most sutable to so great a Mind and Genius as yours , is a Relation of Heroic Actions , I mean the Lives of the Kings of Poland , from the last of the Jagellonick Family , to the Election of the late King John Sobieski , comprehending the space of a hundred Years .

By Sigismund the Second's Death , the Great and Renown'd Family of Jagello came to be extinct as to Males ; for he left no Children , and had only two Sisters , Catherine and Ann. The former was first married to John Duke of Finland , and next to John III. King of Sueden , having been Mother to Sigismund III. who was afterwards both King of Poland and Sueden . The latter Ann liv'd a Maid for a considerable while , till Stephen Batori , Prince of Transylvania , being elected King of Poland , marry'd her , but had no Issue by her .

A Diet call'd . The ABp of Gnesna , James Vchanski , having notify'd the late King's Death to all the Gentry , call'd a Diet after the usual manner , to Elect another ; whereupon several Candidates appearing , they all had their different Parties and Friends in the Kingdom . The chief Pretenders were Ernest of Austria the Emperour's Son , John III. King of Sueden , the Great Duke of Muscovy , and Henry of Valois , Brother to Charles IX . of France , besides several Natives of the Country . After a long deliberation , they pitch'd upon

Henry of Valois . 1574. HENRY of Valois Duke of Anjou , and sent * * Heidenstein Rerum Polon . lib. 1. p. 30. col. 2. Adam Conarsky Bishop of Posnan , and Albert Laski Palatin of Siradia , in quality of Ambassadors , together with several other Senators , into France , to bring him into his Kingdom , after having agreed to the following Articles ; to the performance of which , both the King of France and his Brother the King of Poland , took a solemn Oath . The Articles were as follows :

Imprimis , That Henry of Valois should transport all his Effects and Annual Revenues in France into Poland .

2. That the King of France should pay Sigismund the late King's Debts with his own Money .

3. That the French King should maintain a hundred young Polish Noblemen at his Court , and fifty in other Places .

4. And lastly , That he should build a Fleet in the Baltic Sea , and help the Poles to carry on the War against the Muscovites .

There was another Article the King would by no means consent to till he came into Poland , and that was ,

5. That he should marry the Princess Ann , Sister to Sigismund late King of Poland .

King Henry having thus chiefly satisfy'd the Conditions , he set forth from Paris about the beginning of October , in the Year 1576 , and pass'd through Lorain and Germany , directly to Posnan in Poland ; whence he soon after His Coronation . went , and was crown'd at Cracow the 21st of February 1577 : but in four Months time after his Coronation , receiving Letters from France that the King his Brother was * * Heidenstein lib. 1. p. 62. col. 1. dead without Issue ; and being begg'd to return to enjoy his Right , he communicated those Letters to the Senate , acquainting them withal , that it was necessary he should return into France to prevent Civil Wars , and maintain his Title to that Crown . But fearing lest the Poles might have detain'd him , ( as I have often heard them say they would certainly have done ) on the 18th of March he stole away , Abdicates Poland . and rid Post through Silesia and Germany into Italy , and thence to France . The King being miss'd next morning , they sent several Senators after him , who overtook him in Silesia , and begg'd of him to return , and not abandon a Nation so shamefully which had elected him with such Universal Affection ; yet nothing could prevail upon him , but he however promis'd , that as soon as he had settled his Affairs in France , he would return among them ; and moreover acknowledg'd , that he was extreamly oblig'd to the Polish Nation for their Kindness and Good-will towards him . Hereupon the Senate afterwards Polish Embassy into France proves fruitless . sent two Embassadors into France to intreat him to return , which the King had several times a mind to comply with , for he lov'd that Nation extreamly well ; but his French Subjects still prevail'd upon him to change his Mind , representing to him the many Dangers he would expose France to by such a Journey .

Thus the Poles having lost all Hopes of having their King again , the Primate Vchanski calls a Diet at Warsaw the 4th of November following , to proceed to a new Election , where two Princes were principally propos'd , which Candidates for a new Election . were the Emperour Maximilian , and Stephen Batori Prince of Transylvania ; but they could never unanimously agree which of the two to choose , and therefore the Diet was dissolv'd . Maximilian's Party sent Embassadors to acquaint him that he was chosen , and that they expected he should speedily come and be crown'd , while Batori's Faction did the like for him , and invited him to come forthwith into Poland . Hereupon

Stephen Batori . 1577. BATORI made more haste than the Emperour to comply with their Request ; for he immediately left Transylvania , and passing through Valachia and Russia , quickly arriv'd at Cracow ; where , on the 18th of April 1577 , he was receiv'd and crown'd by Karnkovius Bishop of Vladislaw , the Archbishop of Gnesna being for Maximilian ; who yet afterwards , rather than he would undergo a Siege in his Castle of Lowitz , quietly submitted to Batori .

In the mean time the Emperour was more slow , resolving to come with an Army to dispute his Right ; but his Party growing less and less every day , at length the Senate sent Embassadors to acquaint him , that his Slowness and Indifference had superseded his Right to the Crown , it being resolv'd to be given to him that arriv'd first . Hereupon the Emperour , who was then at the Diet at Ratisbon , order'd the Embassadors to be put in Prison , and forthwith determin'd to go for Poland himself , but was prevented by a dangerous Sickness ; of which he soon after dy'd , Octob. 12.

Batori , 't is true , was chiefly indebted to his Merit for the Crown of Poland ; yet at the same time the Family of Zborowski was not a little assisting to him , occasion'd by his civil Reception of one Samuel of that Family , who had been banish'd his Country for striking John Teczynski Castellan of Wounitz in the King's Court. Whereupon Samuel employ'd all his Interest for Batori , for at the time of the Election he writ to several of his Relations and Friends to Vote for that Prince ; but it being the Temper of the Polanders never to think themselves sufficiently recompens'd after they have done a Service , Batori , tho he sought all he could to oblige that Family , yet could not keep them from proving his most inveterate Enemies , by reason that he would not submit to govern according to their Humours : which not long after cost * * Florus Polon . lib. 4. p. 340. Samuel his Life by a formal Proceeding in a Court of Justice .

His Rise . Batori was first , as I find him , a private Gentleman in Transylvania ; but at length by his Merit and Valour came to have great Authority among the People of that Country , for he was once sent Embassadour to the Emperour's Court , where he manag'd Affairs to the satisfaction and advantage of both Parties ; so that after Prince John Sigismund , Son to the Sister of Sigismund II. of Poland , dy'd , they elected him Prince of Transylvania .

After he was crown'd King of Poland by Karnkouski , whom he made Archbishop of Gnesna , he endeavour'd to appease the Disorders among the great People , and to win the Affections of the Male-contents , which at last he effected by marrying the Princess Ann , His Marriage . Daughter to Sigismund I. and Sister to Sigismund II. by whom he had no Children .

The Dantzickers reduc'd . † † Florus Polon . lib. 4. p. 302. Sleidan . lib. 65. p. 325 , &c. About this time the Emperour fomented a Sedition among the Inhabitants of Dantzic , which induc'd them to refuse to take an Oath of Fidelity to Batori , and moreover to raise an Army and stand upon their Defence . But the Senate of Poland having declar'd 'em Rebels , their Army was soon defeated , and Town besieg'd ; and at last they were oblig'd to comply by Mediation of the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg , and Lantgrave of Hesse . The chief Cause of this War was , that the Citizens of Dantzic pretended not to be subject to the Republic of Poland , but only to the King ; yet notwithstanding this Treaty , they were forc'd to submit themselves to both .

No Courts of Justice . * * Florus Polon . lib. 4. p. 306. Hitherto there were no Courts of Judicature in Poland , all Differences being decided by the King and Council . But the Gentry finding this way of Procedure too tedious to the Nation , and too burdensom to the King , obtain'd leave of Batori to erect two Courts of Judicature , which they commonly call Tribunals ; one at Petricovia , and the other at Lublin , where all Civil Causes were to be determin'd absolutely without any Appeal to Court , unless upon any Matter relating to the State ; in which Case , the last Decision was to be reserv'd to the King and Diet together .

† † Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 102 , &c. This King was more severe in his Punishments than the Polish Laws allow'd , yet he molested none on account of Religion , always affirming that three Things God had wholly reserv'd to himself , which were , to make something out of nothing , to foretel Things to come , and to govern and direct Consciences . This Prince , like Sigismund I. very much encourag'd speaking Latin in his Dominions , being reported to have said often to the Gentlemens Sons , Discite Isatinè , nam unum ex vobis aliquando faciam Mosci Pan , ( a great Lord. ) Whereby the Youth being all in Hopes , practis'd that Language with great Diligence , which very much contributed towards the Encrease of Arts and Sciences in this Kingdom . When Sigismund I. sent the Bishop of Varmia his Embassador to Vienna , the Emperour was surpriz'd to hear even the Polish Coachmen speak Latin fluently . Also after Sigismund the Second's Death , when Embassadors were sent to bring Henry of Valois into Poland , the French wonder'd that not one of all their Train but spoke this Language with great Address .

This King , in the beginning of his Reign , was like to have been over-run by the Muscovites ; for they had so great Advantages over the Poles , that they took several Towns from them in a Dutchies of Severia , Smolensko and Lithuania . In these Wars the Muscovites were His Wars . not a little politick , for they took occasion to invade the Poles , either when they had Wars abroad , or Disturbances at home ; but at last King Batori having appeas'd his own intestine Jars , and made Peace with his Neighbours , by the concurrence of a general Diet declar'd War against the Muscovites , and pour'd in upon 'em with such Vigour and Success , that in three Years time he re-took all his own Towns , and besides carry'd the War into the very heart of their Country , plundering and destroying wherever he came . In this Expedition he got from them above twenty great Cities and Provinces , such as Polotia , Sokola , Sussa , Krasna , Vsviata , Sitna , Jeseriscia , Kossiano , Nescerda , all the Dutchy of Plotia , Lukis , Neuela , Zavolotia , Ostrovia , &c. All this put the poor Muscovites into such a fright that they immediately dispatch'd an * * Bizardiere , p. 59. Embassador to the Pope , to give him hopes , that if he could prevail upon the Poles to withdraw their Army out of their Country , and make an honourable Peace with 'em , they would all submit to the Roman Church .

This your Grace may imagine soon put the Holy Father upon a pious Stratagem ; for he sent his Nuncio Possevinus to assure the Czar , that he would employ all his Interest in his behalf . Whereupon the Poles , having besieg'd Pleskow , the strongest Town in Muscovy , with ill success ; and moreover , having lost above forty thousand Men during the War , at length , through the prudent Management of Possevinus , 15 of Jan. 1582. they agreed to a Suspension of Arms for ten Years ; and farther , that the King of Poland should restore to Muscovy all the Provinces and Towns he had taken in this War ; and that , on the other side , the Czar should give up to the King all Livonia : yet the Czar made no Alteration in his Greek Religion , as he had made the Pope believe he design'd to do . Thus ended the War with Muscovy , which was like to have prov'd so fatal to that Country .

* * Bizardiere Hist. des Dietes , p. 59 , &c. The Tartars durst not make any Incursions into Poland during his Reign ; and their Cham having sent Embassadors thither to demand the Tribute formerly paid them for Transylvania , he dismiss'd their Embassy with a great deal of Indignation , declaring he would pay Tribute to no Man . The Turk likewise shew'd great Deference for this Prince , for he never made any Hostilities in Transylvania while Batori govern'd there ; but his Nephew being elected Prince of that Country , the Port would have augmented their Tribute ; but Batori espousing his Cause by an Embassy to the Grand Seignior , the Port chose rather to be contented with little than to hazard the losing of all by disobliging so powerful a Prince .

All that huge Tract of Land , above three hundred Miles long from East to West , and above a hundred broad from South to North , was for fifty Years before in possession of the Poles . It is call'd by one general Name Vkraina , Ukraina Whence so call'd . which , in the Selavonian Language , signifies a † † Ibid. Frontier , serving for Bounds betwixt them , the Turks and Tartars . This vast and fertil Country is divided into two great Provinces , Volhynia and Podolia . Of Volhynia , the capital Town is Kiovia , built on the Borysthenes , which was formerly , as they say , one of the largest in Europe . It antiently belong'd to the Dukes of Russia , but now is entirely ruin'd between the Turks and Tartars . The capital Town of Podolia is Caminiec , a fortify'd City built on a Rock . The Inhabitants of Vkraina Inhabitants term'd Cosacks . are commonly call'd 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Heidenstein Rerum Polon . lib. 9. p. 326. Cosacks , which in the Sclavonian Language signifies Robbers . At first they were Peasants that came from Russia and other neighbouring Countries , settling in the Islands of the River Boristhenes , and who afterwards spread all over Vkraina , and liv'd on Robbery ; for they us'd to make Inroads into Tartary and Turky , plunder Trebisond and Sinope , and ravage even up to the Gates of Constantinople . They also us'd to pirate on the Black Sea , and have been very useful to the Poles when they were engag'd in War against the Infidels . I can compare 'em to no People better than to the Miquelets of Spain , or Highlanders of Scotland .

* * Chevalier Hist. de Cosaques , p. 3. King Stephen , to make this People more serviceable to the Crown of Poland , put 'em Reduc'd to a Discipline . under a good Discipline , order'd 'em Officers and a General ; and moreover , gave 'em the Town of Techtimoravia upon the River Boristhenes , which they made a Magazine , as also the Place of Residence for their Governours , to be a Bulwark against the Irruptions of the Tartars , who frequently infested them . He endow'd 'em likewise with many Privileges ; for all which they afterwards did him considerable Services .

It will not here be amiss to give your Grace some farther Account of this People , who are often much talk'd of , and yet at the same time but very little known .

† † Guerre Civili di Polon . lib. 1. p. 7. Whence their Name . Alberto Vimina in his Civil Wars of Poland says , it is certain that they have their Name from the Sclavonian Word Coza , which signifies a Goat ; and this either because they were wont to be cloth'd with Garments of Goats Hair , or that they liv'd like Goat-herds in Huts ; or else by reason that they skipt about like Goats , and found no Country of too difficult Access for them .

Extent of their first Dominions . The Country they first possess'd was not above eighteen Leagues on either side of the Borysthenes , not far from the Place where Ovid was sent into Banishment , and where they affirm is a Castle still that goes by the Name of Ovidoua , where Ovid may be suppos'd to have been buried : This Vimina says he does not at all discredit , the Country agreeing with a Passage of Ovid in his Elegies writ to Rufinus .

Non Ager hic Pomum , non dulces educat uvas ; Non salices Ripa : robora monte virent : Neve fretum laudes terra magis , aequora semper Ventorum rabie , solibus orba tument .

And the Fierceness of the People describ'd by Ovid in another place , encreases his Opinion .

Maxima pars hominum , nec te pulchorrima curat Roma , nec Ausonii Militis Arma timet .

Notwithstanding all this , we must not pretend to derive this Modern People from Antiquity , for it is certain they were at first a Body of Vagabonds that fled from Justice into this Country , where they liv'd only upon fishing and hunting , and at last , as now , upon Piracy and Robbery .

Their present Extent . * * Hist. des Cosaques , p. 26 , &c. The present Extent of their Country is much larger than formerly , for now it reaches 100 Leagues in length , and above 40 in breadth . They report the Grass here generally grows so high , that a Man on Horse-back is easily hid under it . This Country abounds so with all sorts of Grain , that the Inhabitants know not what to do with it , their Rivers being shallow , and therefore not capable to transport it to other places . They have also all sorts of Beasts , Fish and Fowl , with most other Necessaries , except Wine and Salt , whereof the first comes from Hungary , Transilvania , Valachia and Moldavia ; and the second is fetch'd from the Mines of Poland .

Their Buildings , † † Beauplan . Descript. d' Ukraine , p. 3. The Houses of this Country are generally of Wood , built in like manner as in Muscovy and Poland , and rarely above one Story high . The Walls of their Towns are most commonly made of Earth kept up with Stakes and Planks , such being most proper to resist the force of Cannon .

Character , 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁𝄁 Hist. des Cosques , p. 32. The Inhabitants of Vkraina are for the most part robust and strong , generous , and great Despisers of Covetousness , inconceivable Lovers of Liberty , and impatient under the mildest Slavery : They are likewise indefatigable , bold and brave , but withal excessive Drunkards , treacherous Friends , and perfidious Enemies : Their common Employments are Hunting and Fishing , and they are indifferently skill'd in all the necessary Arts of Peace and War ; but what they excel most in is , the preparing Saltpetre , with which they furnish several parts of Europe . They are moreover excellent in making Gunpowder .

The Peasants of this and the Neighbouring Countries are very Slaves , being forc'd to work three or four days in a Week for their Lords gratis , and to pay besides several rigorous Duties ; but still this is nothing , for their Lords Power extends not only over their Goods , but also their Lives ; wherefore it cannot be wonder'd at if these miserable Wretches have often rebell'd , and defended their Liberty with great Obstinacy .

Religion . Their Religion is generally the Greek Perswasion , which they receiv'd in the Year 942 , under the Reign of Vlodomir Prince of Russia ; yet the greatest part of the Gentry profess either the Roman or Reform'd Religion . These Greek Principles extend all over Muscovy , Moldavia , Valachia , Turky and Persia . The Cosack Priests are call'd Pops , which in their Language signifies Guides .

Their Fasts are very frequent and rigid , for then they not only abstain from Flesh , but also from Butter , Milk , Cheese , Eggs , &c. feeding only on Herbs , Pulse , Roots , and the like . There are some among them so excessive devout , that they will never eat Bread , nor drink Water but on Saturdays and Sundays . The Women court the Men in this Country , which is so common , that it is not at all thought immodest , for they speak only to the Person 's Relations whom they design to make their Husband .

Abundance of Flies and Locusls . This Country is so very much incommoded by Flies , that in Summer the Inhabtaints are forc'd to fortify themselves several ways against them ; but it abounds much more with Grashoppers , who in a dry Season come in Clouds of five or six Leagues long , and four in breadth , and darken the Sky even at Noon-day : Where-ever they settle they make a clean Harvest in less than two hours : They live but sixth Months . Where they reside in Aumun they lay their Eggs , each having about three hundred ; these they hatch in the Spring , of which but very few prove addle : Great Rains , or a violent North-East Wind can only remove them . Before the young ones are strong enough to fly , they creep into the Houses , hop upon the Beds , Tables , Victuals , and the like , insomuch that scarce a bit can be swallowed without two or three of them along with it : At Night they lie in the Roads and Fields , which are most commonly cover'd with them above a Foot thick ; and when a Couch or Wagon passes over them , it raises a most intolerable Stink .

Language , The Language of the Cosacks is a Dinlect of the Polish , as that is of the Sclavonian . It is very soft , and full of Diminutives , and consequently very delightful both to the Hearer and Speaker .

Customs and Manners . The chief Study of the Cosacks is Arms , which , tho they practise for the most part on Horse-back , yet they will sometimes alight to do the Duty of Foot . They endure the Hardships of War to a wonder , and will live upon little or nothing : They commonly content themselves with a sort of black Bisket , which they eat with Garlick and Onions . They manage their Archibuss and Bow with great Dexterity , and also make use of a kind of Scimiter . They are very little acquainted with Luxury , only they love Aqua-vitae extreamly , with which when mixt with Honey they will often get drunk .

Customs and Manners in Peace and War . They have all sorts of Handicrafts among them , and their Women are imploy'd chiefly in spinning Linen and Wollen . The Peasants understand perfectly all sorts of Agriculture ; and the Inhabitants in general are well skill'd in brewing Beer , making Mead , Aqua-vitae , &c. There is scarce any among them , of what Age , Sex or Condition soever , but will strive to out-do each other in drinking and carousing : and I believe there are no Christians in the World that are more careless or negligent , tho they are by Nature almost capable of any thing . When they are in the Field against their Enemies , they are always extremely sober . Where the Cosacks shew the most Courage is in their Tabords , which are certain Chariots they use to fight in ; tho by Sea also they are not contemptible , but on Horse-back they are little worth , for two hundred Polanders would easily drive two thousand of their best Troopers ; yet their Foot will stand to the last Extemity . When they discover any Vessel by Sea that they have a mind to take , they lie conceal'd with their Boats till about Midnight , when they row towards her with great Swiftness , and having encompass'd her round , easily take her by Surprize . When they have drawn out all her Lading , they generally sink her , because they are not able to carry her off .

Having thus given your Grace a short Account , by way of Digression , of the Cosacks , I will return to King Stephen , who having no Children , propos'd to the Diet to elect his Successor while he liv'd , and that to prevent Disorders that usually happen in Interregnums ; Batori is refus'd to name his Successor . which this Grand Council would by no means condescend to , imagining he intended to force one of his Brother's Sons upon them , or else for fear of giving a bad Precedent for future Elections , which might tend in time to the utter abolishing of their Privileges and Power ▪ This King , by the Solicitations of the Pope and other Christian Princes , being ready to engage in a War against the Turks , dy'd after ten Years Reign , and about the fifty fourth Year of his Age , at Grodna in Lithuania , where he had establish'd his Residence under pretence of its being a fine Country for hunting , tho the true Reason is thought to have been , because he did not care to live with his Queen Ann , who was above sixty Years old when he marry'd her .

His Character . He was a prudent and circumspect Prince , couragious , and just even to Severity . He not only enlarg'd his Dominions , but also settled a better Order in 'em than any before him ; and I have heard the Poles speak of him with the greatest Respect and Veneration .

His Death , Sept. 13. 1586. On this Wise and Valiant Prince a certain Person compos'd the following Elogy , found in an antient Manuscript .

* * Florus Polon . lib. 4. p. 349 , &c. In Templo plus quam Sacerdos . In Republicâ plus quam Rex . In Sententiâ dicendâ , plus quam Senator . In Judicio plus quam Jurisconsultus . In Exercitu plus quam Imperator . In Acie plus quam Miles . In Adversis perferendis , Injuriisque condonandis , plus quam Vir. In publicâ Libertate tuendâ , plus quam Civis . In Amicitiâ colenda , plus quam Amicus . In convictu , plus quam Familiaris . In Venatione , ferisque domandis , plus quam Leo. In totâ reliquâ vitâ plus quam philosophus .

The Death of Batori put Poland into the same Confusion it had been in twice before , from the time of Sigismundus Augustus . The Provincial Diets assembled in 1587 , whose business it was to secure the Frontiers from Invasion , and settle the Peace of the Republick . Next the Primate Stanislaus Karnkowski notify'd the Death of the King according to A Diet call'd . Custom , and call'd a General Diet to meet at Warsaw in March , where it was afterwards agreed that the Diet of Election should meet in June following .

The Lutherans contended so high for their share in the Government , that for Peace sake they had more granted them than the antient Laws of the Kingdom allow'd : For in this Assembly their Party was so strong , that they not only obtain'd Toleration , but also perpetual The Lutherans obtain Liberty of Conscience . Liberty of Conscience . This the Bishops vigorously oppos'd , which made the Primate and Bishop of Vladislaw leave the Diet dissatisfied , when Demetrius Sulikowski Arch-bishop of Leopol , presiding in the Assembly , in conjunction with Laurence Goslicki Bishop of Caminiec , considering the Confusion occasioned by the Absence of the Primate , thought it either necessary to comply with the Lutherans , or to dismiss the Diet ; but the Bishop of Caminiec at last found a mid-way , which was to grant the Lutherans their Demands , but withal to insert a Clause , that what had been done at that Session was meerly to preserve the Publick Peace .

The time of the Election being come , Christopher Zborowski , who was banish'd during Batori's Reign , and now recall'd by the Power of the Lutherans , appear'd at the head of 500 French , with as many Germans and Lutherans The Lutheran and Catholick Factions as amounted to near 10000 Men ; with these Stanislaus de Gorka , Palatin of Posnania , join'd : He was a Person of Wit , and extremely popular ; for tho he was crook-back'd , yet his great Estate and generous way of spending of it made him look'd upon with universal Esteem . Zamoski was also at the head of a considerable number of Troops , which , tho they were fewer than those of the opposite Party , yet were they much better disciplin'd ; with these he encamp'd within two Miles of Warsaw , and entrench'd himself within Lines of Circumvallation .

The wiser part of the Diet having a mind to accommodate these two Factions , order'd them Audience one after another , forbidding either to appear in Arms before them . They also shew'd an Inclination to reverse what had been decreed in favour of the Lutherans , which these last would by no means hear of , Not to be ●●nit●●d . promising themselves a sufficient Defence from their Number , which Zamoski ridicul'd , relying upon the better Discipline of his Followers .

The Lutherans perceiving there was no Justice to be expected from the Diet , without any regard to their Orders , came in Arms before them : After which they retir'd , complaining that they were depriv'd of their Liberties . This had soon occasion'd a Rok●●z The Lutherans 〈◊〉 . ( being an Association in which the Gentry are oblig'd to engage when they are oppress'd ) had not the Primate timely prevented it . During all this the Lithuanians had not yet declar'd themselves ; and it may be it would Suppress'd . have been difficult to have known their Minds , had not a Confusion given them occasion to explain them .

Three Factions . There were three Factions at this Election , whose Power was almost equal . The first was that of Lithuania , which was for electing Theodore Odonowic , Great Duke of Muscovy , he having proferr'd to unite his Dominions to those of Poland . This Proposal might have been thought plausible enough had it been made by any but Muscovites . The hopes several of the Gentry gave the Czar were apparently only to amuse him , fearing he might invade the Kingdom during the Interregnum . The second Party was that of Zborowski and Gorka Palatin of Posnania ; they were entirely in the Interest of Maximilian Arch-duke of Austria , Brother to the Emperor Rhodolph . These * * Heidenstein Rerum Polon . lib. 8. p. 253. col. 1. Anibal of Capua the Pope's Nuncio join'd notwithstanding they were Lutherans , yet he all along fed them up more with Promises than Presents . The third Faction was that of the Senate , being the strongest of the three , by reason that Zamoski with the Flower of the Polish Army was on their side .

It was much doubted upon which of the Several Candidates . Competitors the Election would fall . The Czar of Muscovy and a Piasto were talk'd of only for fashion-sake . The Batori's of Transilvania had their Envoys at the Diet , but they had no other Orders from their Masters , than to demand the Personal Estate of the late King , when , had they ask'd the Crown likewise , it is highly probable some regard might have been had to Batori's Family . Sweden was upon the Roll a third time , tho its King John had been rejected in the two former Elections , by reason he was thought a Lutheran ; but by the Catholick Liturgy publish'd in that Kingdom in 1575 , the Poles were disabus'd in that Opinion , wherefore his Son Sigismund was no longer suspected ; for the Poles had occasion to oppose some great Power to the House of Austria , and what could be sitter for that purpose than the Family of Jagello , from which Sigismund was descended by his Mother ? King John also caus'd his Emissaries to give out that Lithuania of right belonged to his Son , as being of the Jagellonick Race . This bold Claim might well have rais'd a War between Sweden and Poland , had not the latter prudently thought fit to avoid it .

The Lutherans Policy . In the mean time the Lutherans were firmly dispos'd to Maximilian's Interest , but Zamoski broke all their Measures : They had a mind to kidnap the Primate , but by the Advice of this General he retir'd to the Castle of Warsaw . Nevertheless Cardinal Radzivil , to whom the House of Austria had given a Principality , declar'd for Maximilian , as likewise did several others by his Example . This augmented the Courage of the Lutherans , yet did not in the least diminish that of Zamoski's Followers ; both Parties were like to come to Blows , had not the Bishops mounted on Horseback and interpos'd .

While these Prelats were thus doing their Duty , the Pope's Nuncio , tho lame , clamber'd up the highest Tower in Warsaw to view the Army : He doubted not but his Friends the Lutherans would get the better , their Number being greater . At this the Catholicks were extremely offended , and us'd to say that Maximilian's Interest must needs fall , being only supported by a Hook-back and a Cripple .

The Lutherans perceiving that both the Name and Family of Maximilian were odious to the Poles , agreed together to relinquish him , and propose the Czar , by which means they brought over to their Party those who were neither for Maximilian nor Sigismund .

Ministers admitted to Audience . After this the several Embassadors had their Audience ; the Pope's Nuncio spoke first , and made his Harangue chiefly on the good Qualities of Maximilian ; but this Candidate was not better lik'd of than his Orator , or his Panegyrick . Stanislaus Pawlowski , the Emperour's Minister , was heard next , who run also out in Commendation of his Master's Brother ; but from whom there being more Ill to be fear'd than Good to be hop'd , his fine Speech was but little minded . Then came the Embassadors of Sueden to be introduc'd , which were * * Heidenstein lib. 8. p. 256. col. 2. Eric Sparre Senator and Grand Chancellor of that Kingdom , and Eric Brahé Great Master of Prince Sigismund's Houshold . These insinuated that their Master did not send sooner , because he knew the great Affection the Poles always bore the Jag●●llonick Family , of which his Son was descended . They made no great Profers , knowing well that the fear of Maximilian's carrying it would not give the Diet leave to ask that of them which at other Conjunctures they would surely have demanded .

The Primate being not unmindful of the fright the Lutherans had put him into when they form'd a Design to carry him away , had a mind to make a speedy End of the business the Assembly met about ; and therefore , without Election . being deterr'd by any Threats , proceeded to an Election the 9th of August 1587. At which time the Number of the Lutherans was much lessen'd , Gorka their Leader having ahus'd several of them ; wherefore , to be reveng'd , they went over to the contrary Party . Upon the Poll , the Majority of Voices was found for

Sigismund III. 1587. SIGISMUND DE VASA , whom consequently the Primate proclaim'd King of Poland . After the usual Acclamations the Assembly separated ; and the Archbishop , accompany'd by the Senate and Gentry , went directly to the Cathedral of Warsaw to give Thanks for having so happily ended this great and dangerous Affair . Hereupon Embassadors were immediately dispatch'd to Su●●den to bring the new King notice of his Election , and that his Coronation was design'd to be the 7th of October following .

Whilst the Catholicks were thus labouring at the Election of a King , the Palatine Gorka and those of Zborowski's Party minded nothing Lutheran Party dissents ; but Drinking ; yet when they heard of what had hapned , they were extremely surpriz'd ; but at the same time endeavouring to repair their Faults , they fell into much greater . They immediately protested against the Election as both Irregular and Illegal . Their Assembly ordain'd , that the King that was to be chosen should annul all that had been done against Christopher Zborowski during the late Reign . They likewise made several other Regulations , which were all so very extravagant , that they were but little regarded . To this Faction the Gentry of Lithuania offer'd their Mediation , which yet they would not accept of , declaring they were resolv'd to elect Maximilian . Whereupon on the 21st of August , Gorka , with his Associates , proclaim'd Maximilian King Elects and Proclaims Maximilian ; of Poland , and sent Embassadors to acquaint him therewith . Whilst this was doing , the Lithuanians declar'd against both Elections , and thereby disengag'd themselves from favouring either Party , till they saw which was like to have the better .

The Diet as yet was luckily not dissolv'd ; But pronounc'd Traitors by the Diet. which Assembly pronounc'd the Election of Maximilian Seditious , and immediately null'd all that the Lutherans had done : but as the best Considerations become useless , if there be not force sufficient to put them in execution , they at the same time provided for the safety of the Kingdom against the Attempts of Maximilian and his Party ; for this Prince was then but at Olmitz in Moravia , and therefore might quickly have come into Poland , when Sigismund had not yet pass'd the Baltic , which is a very dangerous Sea in Autumn . The Diet , before they separated , charg'd Zamoski with the Care of the Commonwealth .

A Comical Prophecy . I may here acquaint your Grace of a famous Astrologer or Magician , who happening to dine with Zamoski some hours before Sigismund was chosen , that General ask'd him , If he could tell by his Art who should be elected King ? To which this Person , after a little Consideration , reply'd , Quem Deus volet : Which Answer not in the least satisfying Zamoski , was but little regarded by him . The next day after the Election , the same Astrologer sent a Note into the Assembly , address'd to Zamoski with these Words : Sir , You understood not yesterday the Answer which I made you , but now read the word † † Sued . Deus backwards , and you will find the Mystery explain'd .

The two Candidates come into Poland . Afterwards Maximilian and Sigismund both arriv'd in Poland . The latter being at Oliva , a Monastery near Dantzic , receiv'd the Oath of Fidelity ; and preparing to march towards Cracow , which the former then besieg'd , for want of Troops was forc'd to retire to Rava . The Arch-Duke hop'd to have taken this Place by the Intelligence he had with the Germans which inhabited the Suburbs , who had promis'd him to harbour two Regiments in their Houses , which might seize on the weakest Gate , and so let him into the City ; but this Stratagem was detected by Zamoski , who marching to raise that Siege , had notice of these Designs ; whereupon first suffering the two Regiments to enter , he set fire to the Suburbs , and burnt them and their Friends together .

Maximilian routed by the Polish General . Afterwards the Siege was rais'd , but the Arch-Duke did not go far off from the City , but drew up in Order of Battle in a Great Plain , which infinitely pleas'd Zamoski , who had no less Inclination to fight than he . At length they came to Blows , and the Fight lasted two Hours ; but in the end Maximilian being defeated , retir'd to Cestochow , whither Zamoski did not think it proper to follow him . A little while after Sigismund came to Cracow , where he was harangu'd by the Bishop of Caminiec , whom he answer'd in the Polish Language which his Mother had taught him . His Entry was usher'd in with that Solemnity , which was thought almost impossible to have been perform'd in time of War . After some Difficulties surmounted , his Coronation was fix'd for the 27th of December following , when he was Crown'd by the Sigisimund Crown'd . Archibishop of Gnesna . The Lutherans still insisted upon those Demands they had formerly made , which were fain to be granted them , because Maximilian was again ready to take the Field , notwithstanding his last Defeat .

In 1588 , the Arch-Duke came again into Poland , and Zamoski march'd directly to meet him ; but Maximilian expecting more Assistance , went aside into Silesia , whither he thought the Enemy would not dare to follow him : But this valiant General not only overtook and fought him , but also routed and took him Prisoner in the City of Biczycna , after having belieg'd it some small time . Having taken this noble Prisoner , Zamoski gave him all the respect due to a Person of his Quality ; and moreover , that he might not appear under confinement at Cracow , which he had formerly besieg'd , he left him in the Citadel of Crasnostow , whence Zborowski's Party were like to have recover'd him , had not their Design been discover'd by Mark Sobieski Governour of that Place . In all other Respects , Zamoski treated his Prisoner very honourably , which gain'd so much upon the Arch-Duke , that he afterwards stood Godfather to one of his Children .

Maximilian beaten again and made Prisoner . The taking of Maximilian , with all his Artillery and Baggage , was not the only good Event of this Victory , for hereupon the Malecontents immediately acknowledg'd Sigismund . Also Zamoski's generous Usage towards the other Prisoners , whom he releas'd all upon their Parole , contributed very much to confirm Sigismund in the Throne . The Kingdom of Poland now was become no more a matter of Dispute . All the House of Austria aim'd at , was to procure the Arch-Duke's liberty , which at length was obtain'd through the Mediation of the Pope , who sent Cardinal Hyppolito Aldobrandin into Poland to treat of his Ransom , which by that means was rated much lower than the House of Austria could have expected : For altho it was urg'd to Sigismund , that as Charles the Vth dealt formerly by the King of France on the like occasion , so he ought to have a Sum of Money paid down sutable to the great Quality of his Prisoner ; yet Sigismund answer'd , That it was Offer'd Liberty on honourable Terms . to no purpose to propose Charles the Vth as an Example in this Case , since that Prince had been guilty of an Action unbecoming his Grandeur : When , for his part , he did not look upon it sufficient Advantage to have got the better of his Enemy , unless he likewise had the Glory to give him his Liberty , and not to make him buy it . By this Mediation Maximilian was to quit for ever his Title to the Kingdom of Poland , to restore some Places which had been surrender'd to him , and to remain in a perpetual Amity with Poland ; to all which the Emperour his Brother was made Guarantee . But altho these Conditions were so very reasonable , yet Maximilian would not ratify them till 1589. Wherefore his Wilfulness detain'd him in Prison Dissents . till that time , when he escape 〈◊〉 to his Parole of Honour . Nevertheless , he was afterwards brought to sign them by the Power Consents . his Brother had over him .

Sigismund 's Marriage . * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 105 , &c. Sigismund III. was first marry'd to Ann Daughter of Charles Arch-Duke of Austria ; and after her Death to Constantia her Sister , by both which he had three Sons , Vladislaus by the former , and Casimir and Ferdinand by the latter , the two first succeeding him in the Kingdom . When the King his Father was dead he went into Swedeland , and was there Crown'd King of Sweden , 1592. likewise crown'd King of that Country in the Year 1592 , on condition that every fifth Year he should come and reign over Sweden in Person ; but being engag'd in a long War against the Muscovites , Turks and Tartars , he could not be spar'd in fifteen Years , and therefore sent a Senate of Jesuits to govern them and suppress the Lutherah Doctrine , which was then mightily spread in that Country . * * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 105. Here it must be observ'd , that this King's Mother Catherine strictly adher'd to the Roman Church by the permission of her Husband John III. King of Sweden , who also lean'd a little that way . Whereupon , when Sigismund's Tutor Arnold Grothusius would have seduced him from that Perswasion , his Father John being in a great Passion , and drawing his Sword upon the Tutor , cry'd , I will have my Son educated in hopes of both Kingdoms , meaning his own and that of Poland .

These Jesuits the King order'd to be receiv'd with the same Honour as if he himself had come in Person ; at which the Swedes being grievously nettled , sunk them in the Harbour of Stockholm in the Ship that brought Depos'd , and Charl. IX . proclaim'd in Sweden . 'em from Dantzic , and immediately thereupon proclaim'd Charles Duke of Sudermannia , Sigismund's Uncle , their King , who had embrac'd Lutheranism some time before , and which the Swedes have profess'd ever since . This occasion'd bloody Wars between these two Nations ; but Sigismund being likewise engag'd with other Countries , was forc'd to accept of a dishonourable Truce . In the beginning of this War King Charles IX . took a great many places from the Poles in Livonia , most of which were afterwards retaken by the Polish General and Chancellor Zamoski . Besides this the King of Sweden was vanquish'd in a great Battel fought near Kirckholm and Riga , where he narrowly escap'd himself : but some intestine Divisions arising between the King and Nobility of Poland , he got time to recover Breath .

What caus'd the War with the Muscovites . The occasion of the Wars between the Poles and Muscovites was this : A certain Person coming into Poland , pretended to be Demetrius Son to John Basilowitz , Great Duke of Muscovy , and that he was to have been murder'd by order of Boris Gudenow , afterwards Grand Duke , who hop'd thereby to secure the Succession after the Death of Theodore , eldest Son of the said Duke , but that another had been kill'd in his stead . Hereupon he found so great Encouragement from George Mniszeck , Palatin of Sendomir , that he married his Daughter to him ; and by the Assistance of some other Polish Lords , gather'd together a great Army , and march'd with Demetrius into Muscovy , when Boris Gudenow , then Grand Duke , happening to die suddenly , he was receiv'd by the Muscovites , and proclaim'd Czar in Moscow . Hereupon he sent into Poland for his Bride ; but while the Nuptials were celebrating in Moscow , the People , suspecting him to be an Impostor , gather'd together , rais'd a Tumult , and attack'd the Castle , where they cut to pieces Demetrius with most of the Poles that came along with him and his Bride , and took her Prisoner . Then Basilius Suski , descended from the Grand Dukes by the Mother's side , having got together about ●●0000 Men , was proclaim'd Czar : immediately after which a Rumor being spread abroad that Demetrius had escaped , tho Suski had taken care to expose his Body to view , which was so mangled that none could know him , and a Person pretending to be him , the Poles acknowledg'd him as such ; whereupon they together with the Cosacks assisted this Person to recover his pretended Right , and several times beat Suski , and oblig'd him to set at liberty the Captive Bride . She also acknowledg'd this Demetrius for her Husband ; but whether he was really so or not , could never yet be determin'd . Sigismund laid hold of this opportunity , to try at least whether he could recover Smolensko and Severia ; whereupon he besieged the former in the Year 1609 , but could not make himself Master of it till the Year 1611 , when he took it by storm . In the mean time the Poles , who had hitherto sided with Demetrius , were recall'd by Sigismund , who thought it not convenient that so considerable a part of his Forces should be under the Command of another . By the removal of this Army Suski had leisure to recover himself ; whereupon with the Assistance sent him out of Sweden , he march'd directly against the Poles , who then were besieging Smolensko , but was shamefully defeated by them near Clusin . By this Overthrow the Affairs of the Muscovites were again in a very dangerous Condition ; wherefore to avoid the danger , they resolv'd to depose Suski ( who by his Misfortunes became odious to them ) and to offer their Crown to Vladislaus , Sigismund's Son . This Suski was afterwards surrender'd to the Poles , and dy'd at Warsaw in Prison . Whereupon Vladislaus marching towards that Country with a powerful Army in the Year 1610 , and they hearing of it , thinking he came rather to conquer than accept their Crown , unanimously revolted against him , especially when they heard that Demetrius had been murder'd by the Tartars who were his Guards . Hereupon Prince Vladislaus his Expedition was made to no purpose , he being forc'd to make a Truce with the Muscovites for fourteen Years , whereby it was agreed , that in the mean time the Poles should keep in their possession the several Dukedoms of Severia , Zernikow and Novogrod , which they had taken during the late Troubles in Muscovy . In the mean time George Farenbach surrender'd several Places in Livonia to the King of Sweden , Gustavus Adolphus : but it was suspected that he intended to betray that King ; for soon after the said Farenbach was reconcil'd to King Sigismund , to whom he restor'd all the Places except Pernau .

The Poles in War with the Turks ▪ In the Year 1620 , the Poles were engag'd in a War against the Turks , fomented , as was suppos'd , by Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania , for which the Turks afterwards endeavour'd to banish that Prince for siding with the Poles . In the Year following the Turks march'd with their whole Forces against Poland , but were met by the Poles near Chocim under the Command of Prince Vladistaus , who with an Army of about 65000 Men , repuls'd above 392000 Turks commanded by their Emperor Osman in Person . The Turks attempted three times to force the Polish Camp , but were as often beat back with Loss . Nevertheless in the mean time the Poles suffer'd extremely for want of Ammunition and Provisions , and besides were mightily weakened by Sickness and a huge Mortality among their Horses . Notwithstanding all this , at length the Turkish Emperor was forc'd to strike up an honourable Peace with them after having lost about 60000 Men in the several Attacks he made upon their Camp , and a greater number in his March back to Constantinople .

Invasion by Gustavus Adolphus . In the mean time Gustavus Adolphus falling into Livonia , took the City of Riga without any great Resistance ; and all the rest of that Country except Dunneburgh was conquer'd likewise by the Swedes in the Year 1625. Afterwards Gustavus enter'd Prussia in the Year 1626 , where he took the Cities of Marienburg and Elbing , besides some other Places . This War was thus carried on without any general Engagement till the Year 1629 , when Hans Wrangel the Swedish General defeated the Poles near Gorzno . Then the Emperor sent some Forces to the Assistance of the Poles , who in a Battle fought near Stuma were very near having made Gustavus Prisoner . But however , the Polish Affairs after this Battel falling into great Confusion , they were forc'd to clap up a Truce till the Year 1634 , by the Mediation of Charles the First , King of England , and of Lewis the Thirteenth of France ; the Swedes in the mean while being to keep possession of Elbing , Mcmel , Braunsberg , Pillau , and what besides they had taken in Livonia .

Sigismund's Death . After this Sigismund dy'd the last day of April in the Year 1632 , being sixty Years old , and having reign'd forty four .

His Character . * * Bizardiere , p. 89. He had all the Qualities that could be requir'd in a great Prince : He lov'd Justice , and all the World commended his Piety . He was always of an even Temper either in good or bad Fortune ; and the Lustre of the Polish Crown obtain'd when he was but young , together with the loss of the Kingdom of Sweden to his Uncle , might well have either exalted or debas'd him , had he not had a great Soul : yet among all these good Qualities , he was too much wedded to his Opinion , which was the cause of some Misfortunes that happen'd to him .

Prince Vladislaus was absent when his Father Sigismund fell sick , yet he arriv'd at Court just as he was expiring , whose Presence so much reviv'd the King , as to give him Power to put the Crown of Sweden on his Son's Head , tho he was to leave that of Poland to Chance . This Election was much A peaceable Election . more peaceable than his Father Sigismund's , in that he had no Competitors to oppose him . Some thought Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden had a design upon the Crown ; and his boundless Ambition , join'd with the great Number of his Friends the Lutherans , dispersed throughout the whole Kingdom , might very well support that Opinion : yet the Gentry of Great Poland which were most to be suspected on account of Conformity in Religion with him , were the first that strove to exclude him ; for they declar'd those Enemies to their Country , that should in the least dare to propose him . Likewise at another Assembly , a Palatin offering but to insinuate that it would be proper to choose a Foreign Prince , the Gentry were so unanimously offended at him , that he was fain to retire betimes to avoid their Fury . Also Gustavus Adolphus had then too many Irons in the Fire , to draw any more Enemies upon his Back .

Prince Casimir suspected for a Competitor . John Casimir , Brother to Prince Vladislaus , was likewise suspected to have a mind to the Crown , and this Conjecture had a more plausible Foundation than the former . These two Princes were both Sons to Sigismund III. yet had they not the same Mother . That of Casimir did all she could to advance her Son to the Throne : At the Diet met at Thorn she endeavour'd to have a Successor elected whilst the King was living ; whereupon she employ'd a certain Bishop to propose her Son , but with which the Diet was so extremely incens'd , that they would have immediately tri'd that Prelat for infringing the Publick Liberties , had not more weighty Affairs interven'd which caus'd them to lay those Intentions aside . During this Prince Casimir did all he could to satisfy the Publick that he had no Design upon the Crown , but that all his Aim was to promote the Interest of his elder Brother .

A Diet call'd ; The Primate John Vezik having notified the Death of the late King , conven'd the Diet on the 27 th of June , where the Lutherans continued their Cabals and Factions as formerly , but did not favour any of Vladislaus his Competitors as before . The Diet of Election was fix'd for the 27 th of September in the same Year , whither the Gentry all flock'd at the time appointed , but that more to ingratiate themselves in their Prince Vladislaus's favour , than to sell their Suffrages . One thing was propos'd at this Diet , which had it been followed , might have deliver'd the Kingdom from great Oppressions . This was to digest the Laws into a Code , and to get the King Elect to confirm it : Also to reform the many Abuses crept into the Practice of the Law ; but this was too vigorously oppos'd by the interessed Party , and therefore was fain to be let fall .

Proceeds to Election . Hereupon the Diet devoted themselves wholly to the Election : Prince Casimir first propos'd his BrotherVladislaus , which Henry Firley Bishop of Premislia seconded by a Speech to this purpose , That tho that Assembly had a Right to elect whom they pleas'd , yet they had ever had a particular regard to the Offspring of their Kings ; that every body there acknowledg'd the Candidate to be of the Blood of Jagello : That even the Merit of his Father pleaded for the Interest of the Son : That Uladislaus his own Conquests had sufficiently testify'd his Valour ; and lastly , that a favourable Result was to be expected from that Assembly , since each knew as much of the Merit of that Prince as he . This was courteously answer'd by the Primate ; after which they proceeded to admit the Ambassadors .

Foreign Ministers admitted . First Honorius Visconti , the Pope's Nuncio , had Audience ; who being plac'd on the left hand of the Primate , first desir'd the Assembly to choose a Catholick Prince , and then recommended Prince Vladislaus . Next the Embassadors of the Emperour and King of Sweden contended for Prior Admittance , when the latter being prevented by the Gout , or at least so feigning it , was forc'd to yield . The Emperour's Minister therefore was introduc'd , who in the Name of his Master recommended likewise Prince Vladislaus . Afterwards the Swedish Embassador's Indisposition gave him leave to be admitted ; he propos'd a strict Alliance between Sweden and Poland , in case the Diet would elect none of Sigismund's Issue , but on condition that he should first renounce all Right to the Kingdom of Sweden . This Proposal was not at all approv'd of : and there was something else said also by this Minister which mightily displeas'd the Diet ; yet at that time they thought it better to dissemble their Dislike , than provoke so powerful a Prince as Gustavus by a Resentment .

Dantzic first allow'd a Vote . At this Diet the City of Dantzic had a great Favour granted them , which was for the future to have a Vote at the Election of the Kings of Poland ; which Privilege had never been granted before but to the Cities of Cracow and Vilna , one being Capital of Poland , and the other of Lithuania . Prince

Uladislaus VII . 1632. ULADISLAUS was chosen the 13th of November 1632. when he took the usual Oaths , was proclaim'd by the Primate , and afterwards crown'd on the 18th of February 1633.

His Marriage . He was first marry'd to Coecilia Renata , Daughter to the Emperour Ferdinand II. and afterwards to the Princess Mary Ludovica di Gonzaga , Daughter to the Duke of Nevers of the House of Mantua . The Kings of France always match'd the Princesses of Nevers and Nemours , as Princesses of the Blood , to Crown'd Heads .

His Wars The Year after his Election , Vladislaus not only forc'd the Muscovites to raise the Siege of Smolensko , and obtain'd a signal Victory over them , but likewise brought their Army to such Extremities , that they surrender'd themselves ; and the Turks , who had made a Diversion , were also at the same time bravely repuls'd . Not long after Vladislaus made an advantageous Peace with the Muscovites , by virtue of which they renounc'd their Protensions to the two large Dukedoms of Smolensko and Zernikow , which begat such a Terror in the Turks , that they also freely made Restitution for the Damages sustain'd in their last Incursion , and strangled their Bassa who commanded those Forces . He forc'd likewise the Swedes to restore him those Places they possess'd in Prussia , and to prolong the Truce for 26 Years ; which they the easier consented to , by reason that their Affairs in Germany were but in an ill Condition after the Battle of Norlinguen .

* * Heidenstein lib. XI . p. 327 , &c. In the Year 1637 , the Foundation of the With the Cosacks . War with the Cosacks was laid , which brought unspeakable Damages upon the Poles , and which was occasion'd thus . The Privileges the Cosacks had obtain'd from King Stephen , made them to encrease in Number , and grow much stronger than they were before ; for the Peasants of all the neighbouring Countries , having been exceedingly oppress'd by their Lords , to deliver themselves from Slavery , ran in great Numbers into the Vkraine , whereby the Cosacks soon grew very formidable both to the Poles and Turks , which embolden'd them to make frequent Incursions into Turky , and which was afterwards the occasion of many bloody Wars between these two Nations . The Great Men of Poland having purchas'd divers Estates in Vkraina , thought their . Revenues might be considerably augmented , if the Privileges of the Cosacks were but reduc'd to a narrower Compass ; and if instead of plundering their Neighbours the Turks , they were restrain'd to manure the Ground , and live upon the Products of their own Labour . Whereupon the Poles prevail'd upon their King Vladislaus to send General Konicepoliski to reduce them . Hereupon at first the Cosacks made a vigorous Resistance , and oppos'd the Building of the Fortress Hudack just at a Point , where the River Zwamer falls into the Boristhenes . But being at last entirely defeated by the Poles , they were oblig'd to surrender their General Paulack , with some others of the chiefest among them , who , notwithstanding a Pardon promis'd them before-hand , were all beheaded . Besides this , it was decreed in the Diet , that all their former Privileges , together with the Fortress of Tectimoravia , granted them by King Stephen , should be taken from them , and a new Body of Militia setled there in their stead . To put this Decree in execution , the Polish Army march'd forthwith into the Vkraine , but were oppos'd by the Cosacks with great Bravery ; who yet nevertheless promis'd to be faithful to the Crown of Poland , Provided their antient Privileges might be continu'd to them ; which the Poles readily agreed to , but however never perform'd : Nay , treated several of them very ill ; for among other oppressive Methods , they took from them some of their Greek Churches . Afterwards the Cosacks recover'd in some measure under their General Bogdan Chmielinski , who having been justly enrag'd by Jarinski's ravishing his Wife , and afterwards murdering both her and her Son , resolv'd on some Expedient to revenge this Affront , and rid his Country of the Tyranny of the Polish Government .

* * Constit . Ann. 1647. p. 9. tit . Ordinacya Poszty . In this King's Reign Posts were first us'd in Poland , setled after the German manner , in the Year 1647.

His Death . King Vladislaus , after an indifferently happy Reign , dy'd of a malignant Fever at Merick in Lithuania the 20th of May , in the Year 1648. The Muscovites vanquish'd under his Reign ; The Turks forc'd to sue for Peace ; The Inclination he ever had to oblige every body , and the concern he was always under , when it was out of his Power to give sufficient Proofs of his Liberality , were powerful Motives to induce the Poles to regret his Loss , whose Consternation was the more augmented after his Death by their Defeat , and the taking of divers Places by the Cosacks , for want of him . Vladislaus leaving no Issue , his Brother

John Casimir . 1648. JOHN CASIMIR , who had led a religious Life for some time , and was afterwards created * * Piasecius ad Annum 1648. fol. 599. Cardinal by Innocent the Xth. succeeded him , being elected King in the same Year that his Brother dy'd , with the following Circumstances .

The Primate Mathias Lubienski having signifi'd the Death of the late King by Circular A Diet call'd ; Letters , and conven'd a Diet to meet on the 25th of June , ( the Diet of Election having been fix'd for the 6th of October ) all the Senators and Deputies met at the time appointed ; but there were no such Heats and Intrigues among them as formerly , by reason that the Cosacks and Tartars had rais'd too great Disorders in Poland for them to think of any thing at that time but Union : for the News of such prodigious Preparations made against them , were enough to stagger any Resolution but that of the Polanders , whose Valour has generally procur'd them the greatest Success .

Hereupon Orders were immediately issu'd out to raise Troops to oppose these cruel Invaders ; Proceeds to Election . and afterwards the Gentry proceeded to the Election of a Successor to the Throne , at which time no body thought that Prince Casimir , who was then complimented with the Title of King of Sueden , would have had any Competitor ; for the Great Duke of Muscovy , and the Prince of Transylvania , who both put in for the Crown , were look'd upon to have little or no Interest .

The Czar very bluntly demanded the Crown , or upon refusal threatned to come and force a Compliance : But George Ragozzi seem'd to have recourse to a milder Method ; yet tho he offer'd his Army of 30000 Men to the Republick to assist them against their Enemies , he was suspected to have design'd it against them . But at length the Threats of the one , and Promises of the other , had no better Effect than that they were both equally despis'd and rejected .

Prince Casimir oppos'd . The Competitor that Casimir expected least , was Prince Charles Ferdinand Bishop of Breslaw in Silesia , and Ploczko in Poland , who solicited the Crown for his Brother , but design'd it for himself . It was believ'd he had written into Sueden to engage the Queen in his Interest . He had also lent a Million to raise Troops ; but this seem'd no extraordinary Policy , since his Brother Prince Casimir had before been declar'd Generalissimo of the Army . Stanislaus Zaremba , Bishop of Kiovia , was thought to have given Ferdinand this bad Counsel , thinking if he could advance that Prince , he might withal procure himself the chief Dignity in the Kingdom , the Archbishop of Gnesna being then fourscore Years old , and therefore not likely to live long .

His Character and Travels . Prince Casimir had always shewn an uncommon Vertue in all his Actions . He lov'd War , and had ever a great Inclination for Travel : Whereupon in 1638 , he embark'd at Genoa for Spain with design to assist that Kingdom against France ; but being taken in Provence , he was kept two Years , till he was restor'd to his Brother Vladislaus by means of an Embassy sent to the Court of France . This Disgrace which hapned to this Prince , did not hinder him from undertaking other Voyages ; for in 1643 , he left Poland a second time , and passing by Loretto , became a Jesuit there , without acquainting the King his Brother therewith . To withdraw him honourably from this Company , and prevent the Publick from blaming his Inconstancy , Pope Innocent the Xth made him Cardinal in 1646 , which Dignity Casimir seen after resign'd ; for his Brother's Son dying in 1647 , and his Brother being neither like to have any more Children , nor to live long , he prudently bethought himself of other Measures : wherefore in 1647 , he sent his Renunciation to his Holiness by Francis Fredt de Moulinet , a French Gentleman , a Person he had always cherish'd and employ'd upon divers Occasions , and whose approv'd Fidelity made him often say , That a Prince was always better serv'd by Strangers than by his own Subjects .

This Retreat of Casimir among the Jesuits , Like to be excluded . gave occasion to the Bishop of Kiovia to labour at his Exclusion , in which he was zealously assisted by the Protestants , who mortally hated that Society . This Bishop likewise imagin'd he had got the major part of the Gentry on his side , who seem'd also dissatisfi'd with the Jesuits ; but he was not a little mistaken , for Prince Casimir being the Elder , and King Vladislaus his Brother having recommended him by his Will to the States , the Faction against him only retarded his Election for a few days , the Senate in that time having a mind to reconcile the two Brothers .

The 6th of October began the Diet of Election , where almost all were unanimous , and only study'd to hinder the Progress of the Cosacks . First John de Torres , Archbishop of Foreign Ministers admitted . Adrianople , the Pope's Nuncio , the young Marquess of Grana Ambassador from the Emperour , the Count of Arpajou Embassador Extraordinary , together with the Viscount of Bregi Embassador in Ordinary from France , recommended the Interest of Prince Casimir ; whereupon , the 29th of the same Month , John Tyskiewitz Bishop of Samogitia , made an elegant Harangue in his behalf , alledging the Case of Casimir the IId . who had retir'd into the Abby of Cluny , but nevertheless was not excluded the Throne .

The next day the Minister of Ragozzi , Prince of Transylvania , had Audience , who , contrary to all Expectation , recommended Prince Casimir ; yet at the same time insinuated , that if they did not think fit to elect him , his Master , who had always had so sincere Affection for Poland , would gladly be their Prince . The Diet , altho they detested his Flattery , yet express'd themselves grateful to his Master for the kindness he had profess'd .

The 3d of November Prince Ferdinand's Embassadors were introduc'd with the Bishop of Kiovia at their Head . The Profers these made were receiv'd with a great deal of Indifference ; but when the Bishop began to speak with disrespect of Prince Casimir , he was soon silenc'd by a universal Confusion of Voices , which seem'd all to be against him . Whereupon Prince Ferdinand sent forthwith his Excuses , and publickly resign'd his Pretensions to his Brother ; which prevail'd so far upon Casimir , that he granted him his Friendship ; and moreover , made him a Present of the Principalities of Oppolen and Ratibor in Silesia , and likewise re-imburs'd the Charges he had been at to oppose him in his Election ; which generous Usage so influenc'd Ferdinand , that he express'd less Joy for all these noble Presents than Sorrow for having been concern'd against so deserving a Brother .

Casimir elected . The 17th began the Election , when all Obstacles being remov'd , Casimir had been proclaim'd the same day , if his Embassadors had sign'd the Articles propos'd to them ; but nevertheless on the 20th , he was admitted to the Throne on the same Conditions with his Father Sigismund .

His Marriage . He marry'd , by the Pope's Dispensation , the Queen-Dowager Mary Ludovica his Brother's Queen . She being a French Lady , and medling too much with Affairs of State , perhaps with design to promote a Successor of her own Country , is thought to have contributed in great measure towards the Troubles which His Wars . afterwards ensu'd . Soon after he came to the Crown , the Cosack General Chmielinski began to put in practice his Revenge : Whereupon calling the Tartars to his Assistance , he march'd at the Head of a formidable Army into Poland ; where burning , plundering and ravaging wherever he came , he did all the Mischief he could , defeated the Polish Army , took the City of Kiovia , and afterwards besieg'd Leopol , Capital of Russia , with an Army of near 300000 Men , yet could never take it , tho its Fortifications are but very inconsiderable . They nevertheless ravag'd the Country all about it for many Leagues together . To revenge which Affront , the Poles summon'd the seventh Man throughout the whole Kingdom , and march'd against the Cosacks without the Consent of their King , who had before refus'd to head them , but were again miserably beaten . Nevertheless the King's Army at other times had considerable Advantages over them ; for tho they found they were not able to fight them , yet they fatigu'd and weakned them so , that they were forc'd to call the Muscovites likewise to help them forward with their intended Work . Whilst some put themselves under the Protection of Muscovy , others had recourse to the Port , so irreconcilable were they ever to have any more to do with the Crown of Poland , and have been so ever since to their own Ruin , and the great Disadvantage of the Poles . The only Damage they sustain'd , was , when Chmielinski was celebrating the Nuptials of his Son with the Daughter of the Prince of Valachia , where the Poles surpriz'd them , re-took the City of Kiovia and plunder'd it , as likewise made the Grecian Patriarch Prisoner . Then the Cosacks sent to the King to know if this had been done by his Majesty's Order ; which being answer'd in the Negative , and moreover , that the Nobility had done it to be reveng'd on them for the frequent Damages they had done them , they immediately , in conjunction with the Tartars , fell into Poland with the greatest Fury imaginable . Against these the King went in Person at the Head of the Nobility , and defeated them in Battle . But nevertheless the King was afterwards forc'd to clap up a Peace with them , tho the Gentry were very much displeas'd at his granting them their own Terms , by which the Muscovites were left in possession of Smolensko and Kiovia , which they enjoy to this day . The Muscovites likewise took Vilna in Lithuania , with some other considerable Cities in that great Dutchy .

The King of Sweden invades Poland . In the Year 1655 , Charles Gustavus , King of Sweden , rais'd a more fatal Storm in Poland ; for with an Army of chosen Men he enter'd that Kingdom , and in two years time made himself absolute Master thereof . He first conquer'd Great Poland and Masovia , and afterwards the Lesser Poland , with Cracow , the capital City of the Kingdom ; from whence he march'd into Prussia , where almost all the Towns immediately surrender'd to him except Dantzic , wherein at first were a great many Citizens that favour'd the Suedes ; but who not long after , by the Persuasions of some Ministers , continu'd their Obedience to Poland . The Resistance made by this one City , was the main Reason why all the Advantages got by the Swedes at last prov'd fruitless , and that they could maintain themselves no longer in Prussia : notwithstanding that , not only the whole Militia of Poland , and that part of Lithuania which was under the Muscovites , had submitted to the Swedes , but also King John Casimir was fled into Silesia ; for the Poles having recover'd themselves after their first Consternation was over , and being moreover join'd by the Brandenburgers and Tartars , fell upon such of the Swedish Forces as were scatter'd up and down the Country . The Lithuanians also rose up in Arms , and kill'd all the Swedes that were in Winter-quarters among them .

Cause of his Invasion . The Occasion of this Swedish Invasion was some familiarity King Casimir had had with the Wife of the Vice-Chancellor Radziouski , Father to the present Cardinal Primate . This great Senator could by no means brook a Scandal so publick ; and therefore having first made a Party in the Kingdom , he call'd in the Swedes through Livonia to revenge his Quarrel , who soon got the Duke of Curland's Country , and took him Prisoner . Afterwards they had such vast Success in their Progress , that all the Towns of Poland soon submitted to them , none being able to withstand a Siege . It is to be observ'd , that there are but few fortify'd Places in Poland ; it being a Maxim of State there , That their Kings should not strengthen themselves at home , whereby their Enemies might take footing from abroad .

This vast Conquest made all the neighbouring Princes very jealous of the Power of Sweden ; for on one side Ragozzi , Prince of Transylvania , thinking perhaps to obtain that Crown for himself , enter'd Poland , but with no Success . The Danes likewise made a considerable Diversion on their part by attacking Sweden . Also the Muscovites came upon Livonia , and the Emperour sent Troops to succour the Poles ; whereupon , by Assistance of the Brandenburgers and Tartars , and the prudent Conduct of General Czarneski , the Polish Nobility in six Months time restor'd Casimir to his Throne .

Cracow took by a Stratagem . This Czarneski re-took the capital City of Poland by a Stratagem , which was by contriving to have some Cartloads of Wood enter the City betimes in the Morning , and to break in their Passage through one of the Gates ; by which means , with 800 Men , he forc'd his way into the City , and destroy'd the Swedish Garison . The Advantage of an unfortify'd Kingdom will always be this , That tho it be soon conquer'd , it will nevertheless be as easily recover'd .

King of Sweden enters into a League with the E. of Brandenburg . When Charles Gustavus , King of Sweden , had met with an Opportunity to make War with Poland , he made several private Treaties with the late Elector of Brandenburg , Frederic William , and at length enter'd into a League with him , on condition , that when he had conquer'd Poland , he should give him the Soveraignty of Ducal Prussia ; whereupon they both join'd their Forces together , and soon conquer'd the Poles . But afterwards the King of Sweden being call'd home to take care of his own Dominions , which were then invaded by the Danes , he was forc'd to compound with Poland for 800000 Rix Dollars , which the Poles , not having had any Intelligence of the Danish Invasion , were glad to agree to . But the Elector of Brandenhurg observing that the Money stipulated for , was not like to be easily rais'd , offer'd , unknown to the Swedes , to give the Poles that Sum ; and moreover , to help them to drive the Swedes out of their Kingdom , in case they would but confirm to him and his Heirs the aforesaid Soveraignty of Ducal Prussia . To this the Poles , being in extream Confusion and Necessity , quickly condescended , with this Restraint only , That whenever the said Elector's Male-Issue fail'd , that Dutchy should revert to the Crown of Poland . Whereupon the Elector of Brandenburg having been proclaim'd Soveraign Duke of Prussia , he immediately join'd the Polish Forces , and in short time drove the Swedes out of their Kingdom , which he before had been instrumental in bringing in .

This is the Account I have heard the Poles give of their Deliverance from the Swedish Yoke ; and Sir Robert Southwell also gave us lately the same Account at the Royal Society , which he had had from the late Elector of Brandenburg's own Mouth .

Treaty of Oliva . At this * * Pufendorf . Rerum Brandenb . lib. VIII . Sect. 55. &c. fol. 508. col. 2. Treaty of Oliva ( a Monastery near Dantzic ) the Poles likewise were to renounce all the Pretensions they had to Livonia .

Casimir , after having routed the Swedes , rais'd an Army of about 30000 Germans , under pretence of being reveng'd on the Tartars for detaining several Poles Prisonners , which he had betray'd himself , the better to curb his Subjects . But Prince Lubomirski , Crown-Marshal , having discover'd his private Design , which was to render himself Despotic , rais'd an Army likewise , and attack'd that of the King with so good Success , that he entirely routed it , took its General , a Frenchman , Prisoner , and quickly oblig'd the King to disband his German Forces . At this Motive and Means of Casimir's Abdication . Affront receiv'd from his own Subjects , Casimir was extreamly netled , insomuch that he abdicated the Crown not long after . But some time before his Abdication he convok'd a Diet at Leopol to pay off the Army . The best Expedient to effect this was thought to be , to call in all the Gold and Silver of the Kingdom , and re-coin it ; but this having been found deficient , the States consented to have vast Quantities of Copper coin'd , which before had been very scarce in that Country , and to raise its intrinsick Value to almost double the common Standard . With this Money the King paid the Publick for what they brought in , as likewise the Arrears of the Army , but kept all the Gold and Silver , which he afterwards privately remitted into France , and soon follow'd himself , whereby he beggar'd the Nation ; for which the Poles condemn him even to this day . They also hate his Memory for having favour'd the Cosacks Rebellion to the empoverishing those Gentlemen that had Estates in Vkraina . This appear'd unquestionable by a private Letter intercepted , sent under Casimir's own hand to Chmielinski and Doroczinko , Generals of the Cosacks Army , whereby he invited them to make War against himself for not having been redress'd in the Grievances they had sustain'd under the Jews , the Noblemens Stewards in the Vkraine ; by which means he gave them occasion to deliver themselves from the Polish Slavery , as they continue to this day .

All this while the Cosacks were not a little troublesome to the Poles , taking advantage of these intestine Disorders , and the ill Condition the Affairs of Poland were in during Casimir's Time , who at length , after 20 years Reign , being tir'd out with Vexations , publickly resign'd his Crown , like Charles V. at St. John's Church at Warsaw the 16th of September , in Casimir 's Death . 1671. the Year 1668 ; and retiring into France , dy'd afterwards at Nevers , the City where his Queen was born .

While I was at Warsaw , I spoke with several old Gentlemen about this King's Abdication , who told me that Casimir , the day after his Resignation , observing the People hardly paid him the Respect due to a Gentleman , much less to a King , seem'd to have repented heartily of the Folly he had committed .

The Officers which this Prince had reserv'd to himself in his Retreat , rais'd a stately Monument to the Memory of their Royal Master in the Abby of St. Germains at Paris , whereof he was made Abbot . The Brass and Marble of this Monument shall not outlast the Latin Epitaph which Father Francis Delfault made on this Prince , and which for the Excellency in its kind , I shall beg leave of your Grace to insert .

Aeternae Memoriae ; REGIS ORTHODOXI , HEIC ; Post Emensos Virtutis Ac Gloriae Gradus omnes , Quiescit , Nobili sui Parte , JOHANNES CASIMIRVS , Poloniae Ac Sueciae Rex ; Alto E Jagellonidum Sanguine , Familia Vasatensi POSTREMVS , Quia Summus LITTERIS , ARMIS , PIETATE . Multarum Gentium Linguas Addidicit , quo illas Propensius Sibi devinciret . Septemdecim Praeliis , collatis cum Hoste signis , Totidem uno minus vicit , SEMPER INVIGTVS , Moscovitas , Suecos , Brandeburgenses , Tartaros , Germanos ARMIS ; Cosacos , aliosque Rebelles Gratid , ac Beneficiis EXPVGNAVIT ; Victoriâ Regem eis se Praebens , Clementiâ Patrem . Denique totis viginti Imperii Annis , Fortunam virtute vincens , AVLAM HABVIT IN CASTRIS , PALATIA IN TENTORIIS , SPECTACVLA IN TRIVMPHIS . Liberos ex legitimo connubio Suscepit , queis postea orbatus est , ne si se majorem reliquisset , non esset ipse Maximus ; Sin minorem , stirps degeneraret . Par ei ad fortitudinem Religio fuit , Nec segnius Coelo Militavit , QVAM SOLO. Hinc extructa Monasteria , & Nosocomia Varsaviae , Calvinianorum fana in Lithuania exoisa ; Sociniani Regno pulsi , ne Casimirum haberent Regem , Qui Christum Deum non Haberent . Senatus A Variis Sectis ad Catholicae Fidei Communiousm Adductus , Vt Ecclesiae legibus Continerentur , Qui Jura Populis Dicerent . Vnde Illi praeclarum ORTHODOXI NOMEN Ab Alexandro VII . Inditum . Humanae Denique Gloriae Fastigium Praetergressus , Cum Nihil Praeclarius Agere Posset , IMPERIVM SPONTE ABDICAVIT ANNO M. DC . LXVIII . Tum Porro lachrymae , Quas Nulli Regnans Excusserat , Omnium oculis Manarunt , Qui Abeuntem Regem , non secus Atque Obeuntem Patrem , LV : XERE . Vitae Reliquum in Pietatis Officiis cum Exegisset , Tandem Audita Kameneci●● Expugnatione , ne tantae cladi Superesset , CHARITATE PATRIAE VVLNERATVS OCCVBVIT XVII . KAL . JAN . M. DC . LXXII . Regium cor monachis Hujus Coenobii , cui Abbas praefuerat , Amoris pignus reliquit ; Quod illi isthoc tumulo Moere●●tes condidorunt .

If King Casimir's Resignation procur'd Quiet to himself , it occasion'd no less Disturbance to the Polish Commonwealth ; for thereby none of the Family of Vasa remaining , several Princes rais'd Factions to get the Crown into their Families , and consequently each endeavour'd to hinder him that was most like to obtain it .

A Diet call'd . Stanislaus Prasmowski the Primate had conven'd a Diet to meet at the beginning of December , where , after some innocent Heats , the second of May 1669 was pitch'd upon for the Diet of Election . This Interregnum , unlike the former , was not disturb'd by the Protestants ; King Casimir having taken such Measures , that the Socinians were in his time banish'd ; and the other Sects being look'd upon with Contempt , were consequently discourag'd in their Advances .

Competitors for the Crown , At this Diet of Election , four Competitors appear'd , viz. The Son of the Great Duke of Muscovy , who had been bred in Poland , and spoke that Language ; on whose behalf the Great Duke his Father offer'd , 1. That his Son should change his Religion for that of the Roman Communion . 2. That he should make a Publick Renunciation to Muscovy . 3. That all Places formerly taken from the Poles by the Muscovites should be restor'd . 4. That four Millions should be advanc'd as his free Gift towards the Payment of the Arrears of the Polish Army . And lastly , That he would be oblig'd to assist Poland against all Enemies whatever with an Army of forty thousand Men ; and moreover , enter into a firm and perpetual League with them . The next was the Duke of Neuburg , supported by the French Interest . The third was the Duke of Lorain , upheld by the German Faction . And the fourth was the Prince of Conde's Son , whom the Archbishop of Gnesna , and General Sobieski were thought to favour .

Reduc'd to two . At length the Contentions for the Crown of Poland were altogether lodg'd in two Pretenders , for the Duke of Muscovy declin'd sending his Ambassadors out of Pride , as being displeas'd with the Poles ; and the Prince of Conde had quitted his Pretensions on account of Discouragement ; wherefore the two Competitors that remain'd had the Gentry almost equally divided between them , and which arriv'd to those Extremities , that almost every Night twenty or more were found murder'd in the Streets . These Disorders the Marshal of the Diet us'd several Means to suppress , but at length found none so plausible as to proceed forthwith to an Election .

Foreign Ministers admitted . The 4th of June the Embassadors were first admitted to Audience , when the Pope's Nuncio made a Speech in Latin , and exhorted the Assembly to elect a Catholick Prince . The 7th of the same Month Count Schafgots had Audience , who , contrary to the expectation of every body , recommended the Duke of Neuburg in the Name of his Master the Emperour .

On the 12th the Duke of Neuburg's Minister had Audience , who promis'd in the Name of his Master two Millions to pay the Army ; next to maintain always 4000 Men for the Service of the State out of his own Coffers ; and lastly , to build three Fortresses on the Frontiers of Poland , as likewise to found a College for the Polanders in Germany . The Prince of Leixin , who had Audience next , profer'd almost the same on the part of his Nephew the Duke of Lorain . To which the Abbot of Riquet also added , that the same Prince , for whom he likewise spoke , was ready to dispute the Crown in single Combat with his Opponent , to the end he might obtain it by the most honourable Means . But nevertheless , the Pride of the latter of these Competitors had not better effect than the Promises of the former .

In the mean time the Gentry were very impatient at the tediousness of the Diet , and at Heats arise ; length were ready to go together by the Ears ; when Opalinski Palatin of Kalisch , to appease the Disorder , made an elegant Speech , alledging , That it was meer Madness for them to cut one anothers Throats about choosing of Princes which they never saw , and that it would be more prudent to reject them both , their Birth and Alliance with the House of Austria being sufficient to merit their Exclusion . And proceeding in his Harangue , he put them in mind that the Austrian Family , providing they persisted to make choice of a Prince out of it , might in all probability serve them as it had formerly done the Kingdoms of Bohemia and Hungary ; and that therefore it was not only unsafe , but also contrary to the Constitutions of their Kingdom to have any thing to do with them . Hereupon the Tumults began something to abate , which gave him encouragement to go on and shew , that formerly , when Heats grew high , a Native , meaning Piastus , had been chosen , who govern'd the Kingdom so prudently , that even at 120 Years of Age his Death was regretted . These Appeas'd by a Speech . Precautions ( continued he ) our Fore-fathers had against the Ambition , Envy or Avarice of such as pretended to the Crown : Let us therefore ( quoth he ) leave the Duke of Neuburg to govern his small Estate and numerous Family ; and let the Duke of Lorain exhaust his Treasures to recover his Paternal Dominions . For our parts a Piasto would be most proper for us , as we may find by a serious Reflection on these Divine Words , Admitte ad te alienigenam , & subvertet te ; Admit a Stranger among ye , and he shall undermine and ruin ye .

By these means the Palatin of Kalisch having pretty well calm'd the turbulent Spirits of the Diet , and moreover influenc'd them with kind thoughts of a Piasto , he immediately posted , together with the Palatin of Posnania , A Plasto propos'd . to Wiesnowiski then at Warsaw , where finding him in the Church of the Recollects , they both earnestly begg'd of him to accompany them to the Field of Election , which Request , after some difficulty , he comply'd with . Whereupon all three arriving while the Partisans of the two Competitors were ready to go together by the Ears , the Palatins of Kalisch and Posnania took occasion to propose Wiesnowiski ; and the Illustrious House he was * * Hartknoch . lib. ●● . cap. 2. p. 109. descended from soon determin'd the Gentry in his Favour . It must be understood that Wiesnowiski was not lineally of the Race of Jagello , for that ended with Sigismundus Augustus , but collaterally descended from Korybuth Jagello's Brother .

Mr. Yard who went with Sir Peter Wyche to compliment King Michael on his Accession to the Throne , told me lately , that the Palatin Policy disappointed . of Culm acquainted them at Warsaw , that when Michael was propos'd , the Intention was not to have him elected , but only by proposing of him to discover how far the Diet would relish a Native ; some of the Great Men among them having secret Designs to advance one of themselves to the Throne , but which they were unexpectedly disappointed in by the Election of this poor Prince .

Wiesnowizki was not a little surpriz'd when he heard himself nam'd , and which also encreas'd upon him when they seated him by force in the midst of the Assembly , and begg'd of him to accept the Crown . At first he Michael refuses the Crown ; burst out into Tears , and declar'd he was not capable to sustain so great a Burden ; but the major part of the Diet persisting in their Demands , at length he thought fit to acquiesce Accepts it . and accept their Proffers . The Dukes of Neuburg and Lorain were hereby immediately depriv'd of their most profess'd Friends : But the Lithuanians would by no means accept of a Prince they had not first nam'd , and therefore propos'd others . This dissenting of theirs occasion'd new Disorders , which grew so high , that a Gentleman speaking his Mind too freely , was cut to pieces on the spot ; yet at length , the latter being the weaker side , they were forc'd to comply with the former , and confirm Prince Wiesnowiski .

The Primate conforms . The Primate not approving of this Election , retir'd to his Castle of Lowitz ; but the Gentry threatned to force him , and the Senators intreated him to consent , which at length he agreed to , and according to custom proclaim'd him .

It is said that whilst the Palatin of Kalisch was haranguing , a Swarm of Bees and a Pigeon happen'd to fly over their Heads , which the Poles immediately taking for a good Omen , cry'd out unanimously , God save King

Michael Wiesnowiski 1670. MICHAEL WIESNOWISKI . This his Excellency Monsieur de Cleverskerk , now Embassador from the States of Holland in England , assures me to be true , he having been present at Warsaw as a Traveller at the time of this Election .

King Michael being thus chosen , chiefly indeed by the Minor Nobility , was proclaim'd by the Primate , and crown'd the 17 th of September in the Year 1670 , and reign'd to the Year 1673.

His Marriage . He married Eleonora of Austria , Daughter to Ferdinand III. and Sister to Leopold the present Emperor of Germany ; by reason of which Alliance Jealousies were rais'd , that his Majesty had a mind to make himself Absolute and Hereditary , and to subvert the Polish Liberties , all which he soon appeas'd by a timely compliance with the Demands of the disaffected .

This Prince before he was advanc'd to the Throne was very poor , subsisting only on a Pension of 6000 Livres , which had been charitably allow'd him by King Casimir and his Queen Mary Luduvica di Gonzaga . He had , 't is true , formerly a vast Estate in Vkraina , but which the Cosacks were then in possession of . He was , as I am inform'd , Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to the present Emperor of Germany , which yet that Prince did not think sufficient reason to exclude him from marrying his Sister after his Election .

The Cosacks Rebellion In the Year 1672 , the Cosacks , assisted by some Tartars , having again fallen to their old Custom of rebelling , General Sobieski with the Forces of the Crown soon chastis'd them , and forc'd their Leader Doroczinko to retire . Favour'd by the Turk : Hence the Turk took an occasion to quarrel with Poland , upon pretence he had taken the Cosacks into his Protection , whom he would needs have to be opprest .

This King was by no means endu'd with the Warlike Spirit of his Predecessors ; for in his time the Turks not only over-run Podolia , but also took its Capital City Caminiec , and Produces a bad Peace . likewise oblig'd the Poles to dishonourable Articles of Peace , whereby Michael was to pay the Turks an Annual Tribute . The farther Particulars of this Matter are as follows : Sobleski , made Great Marshal and Crown-General by Casimir for having always adher'd to his Interest , presenting King Michael when elected with a Coach and six Horses to comply with the Custom only , for it must be understood Sobieski was his Enemy ; the King by the Perswasions of his haughty Mother refus'd the Present , which the General greatly resenting sought all manner of ways to be reveng'd on him , and in order thereto , frequently caball'd with the Gentry assembled in Parliament against him , and at length oblig'd the Diet to be dissolv'd without concluding any thing to his advantage ; while in the mean time , I am positively assur'd , he kept Intelligence with the Turks and Tartars , as may appear by their taking of Caminiec , and besieging of Leopol . Mr. James Walker a Scots-man , who was in the City when besieg'd , and is now in London , told me lately , that there were 90000 Turks , 20000 Tartars , and 10000 Cosacks and Moldavians at that Siege which happen'd in the Year 1672 , all which begirted the Town close , playing continually upon it from five Batteries . The Governour that held out against them was one Lonsky , a Colonel of Dragoons , who had , as Mr. Walker assures me , but five hundred of his Men in Garison without any Horse , besides 1100 of the Inhabitants in Arms : With these Lonski defended himself vigorously , insomuch that what by the Correspondence he kept with the Christians in the Turkish Army , and by the Bravery of his own Men he maintain'd his Defence three Weeks , when the King sent Count Morstin and other Commissioners to treat with Caplan Bassa General of the Turks , who agreed , that for raising the Siege the King should pay 22000 Gold Ducats yearly Tribute to the Grand Seignior , 100000 Lion-Dollars down on the nail to save the City , whereof the Inhabitants paid 10000 presently , and the Publick were to pay the rest ; this they gave eight Hostages to perform , who were kept Prisoners at Caminiec , and dy'd there by reason that the Debt contracted for was never paid . Besides , the Turks were to remain in possession of Caminiec and all Podolia . But General Sobieski , and the rest of the caballing Party being asham'd of this dishonourable Treaty , came to a better Understanding among themselves , and sided with the King to recover what had been lost .

The Poles march to recover Podolia ; Hereupon the Armies of Poland and Lithuania marched directly towards Podolia to retake it , that of the Kingdom being commanded by General Sobieski , and the other of the Dutchy by General Patz . These two Generals soon obtain'd a signal Victory over the Turks near Kochim five Leagues from Caminiec , by the Treachery of the Moldavians and Valachians , who never hitherto signaliz'd themselves but persidiously , which yet prov'd very advantagious to the Poles , who were then in want of every thing but Courage . Caplan Bassa commanded the Turkish Army , being join'd by the Moldavian Troops , headed by their Hospodar ; but the former being displeas'd with the Conduct of the latter , his Souldiers being not so many as he expected , and those not well equipt , struck him over the Head with his Scimiter , which the Hospodar highly resenting resolv'd upon Revenge , which he afterwards effected , by deserting the Turks in conjunction with the Valachians who took his part , and going over to the Poles . This mightily facilitated Sobieski's Entry into the Enemy's Camp , which gain'd him a compleat Conquer ; Victory . This Defeat had doubtless put the Affairs of Poland into a good Condition had the Generals sufficiently pursu'd it . But , as it has always been the unfortunate Custom of the Poles , they immediately withdrew their But fail in their Design . Troops into their Country , and so have since left the Turks in full possession of Podolia . This famous Battel began upon Saturday , and was scarce fully over in three days .

Some few days before this Victory obtain'd , King Michael dy'd at Leopol , November the 10 th Michael's Death ; 1673 , suppos'd to have been poison'd by a French-man at Zamoisk , being about 32 Years old , and having reign'd about four Years , leaving the Poles less afflicted at his Death , than asham'd at the bad Choice they had made of him for their Prince .

This Prince not long before he dy'd , had the Misfortune to see an Aga come from the Grand Seignior to demand Tribute of him , who brought him from his Master a Commander's Staff and a Turkish Vest , both being Badges of Vassalage . He left no Children , tho his Leaves no Issue . Queen , who was afterwards marry'd to Charles late Duke of Lorain , has since had several . She is lately dead , and in my Travels from Italy to Germany resided at Inspruck , the Capital Town of Tyrol , where I had the Honour to kiss her Majesty's Hand , being introduc'd by my Lord Carlingford . Her Brother the Emperor allow'd her and her Children a Pension out of the County of Tyrol ; for she receiv'd nothing either out of Poland or Lorain , the latter having been hitherto in the French Hands ; and the Constitution of the former being , that when the Queen Dowager marries , she forfeits her Pension setled upon her by the Diet at the King's Coronation .

* * Hartknoch . lib. 1. cap. 2. p. 109 , 110. An odd Story . An odd Story goes of a Child that was born in this King's Reign in the Year 1670 , at Vilna in ●●ithuania , with a Golden Tooth , which was esteemed truly such by all the Physicians , Surgeons and Goldsmiths about that City , being also tri'd on the Touchstone in the presence of the Bishop of that place : But what is yet more wonderful , that Child having a Fever afterwards in the Year 1673 , his Golden Tooth was changed into Bone . How worthy this is of Credit I leave to the Judicious Naturalists ; I have only this to say for my self , that I found it in an authentick Author .

King Michael being dead was succeeded by John Sobieski the late King of Poland , who was Captain of the Guards , and Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to King John Casimir . Whilst he had these Employments he marry'd Prince Zamoski's Widow , who had 10000 Rix Dollars left her for a Jointure , by the contrivance and management of King Casimir and his Queen , to whom she was then Lady of the Bed-Chamber . At this Juncture Sobieski's own Estate was not 2000 Pounds Sterling a Year : But however , the King promis'd to advance him after he had marry'd this Lady , which he accordingly perform'd , and I may say that it was through the means of this Marriage that Sobieski was gradually promoted to the Supreme Dignity of the Crown .

Thus , my Lord , I have given as short and exact an Account of the memorable Actions of the fourth Class of the Kings of Poland , as my Incapacity , and the Precipitation with which it was publish'd , would allow . But before I put an end to this Letter , I must beg your Grace's leave to take notice , that the Crown of Poland , tho always Elective , yet has been successively in the same Family from Father to Son , or at least from Father to Daughter or other Relation , from the Year 830 to the Year 1674 , which is from Piastus his Reign to the Election of the late King John Sobieski , except only the five Months that Henry of Valois reign'd , I mean Henry III. of France , who was kill'd by a Monk . To evince this , your Grace may be pleas'd to understand , that the last of the Family of Piastus in a direct Line was the Princess Hedwigis , who marry'd Jagello , Great Duke of Lithuania . His Male Race by her reign'd to Sigismund the Second's time , of whose two Daughters , one was marry'd to King Stephen Batori his Successor , and the other was Mother to Sigismund III. who with his Sons were successively elected to the Throne to the time of King Michael Wiesnowiski ; who , tho he was not lineally descended from Jagello , yet came laterally from the Race of Koributh Jagello's Brother : So that it is evident that the Poles have reconcil'd a free Election of their Kings with an uninterrupted Succession of the same for 844 Years ; as likewise that they have never excluded the deceased King's Son , nor ever elected any German Prince to the Throne before this last Election of the Elector of Saxony , Frederick Augustus , now King of Poland . But as it is lawful for all Governments to alter their Constitutions at often as they find it convenient for the good of the Publick ; so the Poles observing that their Native Kings have not of late sufficiently promoted the Interest of their Country , were wise enough to choose a Foreign Prince , whose Wealth and Courage would enlarge their Dominions , as their present King Frederick Augustus is very likely to do , being in League with the Emperor , Muscovites and Venetians . I hope your Grace will be pleas'd to pardon my Indiscretion in presuming to write of Matters which are altogether out of my Element , since it was only to shew with what Deference and Respect I am ,

My LORD , Your Grace's most Obedient and most Humble Servant , B. C.

LETTER IV. To the Right Honourable WILLIAM Earl of Yarmouth .

Concerning the Family and Remarkable Actions of John III. King of Poland : As also his Daughter's Marriage to the present Elector of Bavaria .

My LORD ;

THE Obligations I owe to your Brother Mr. Alberti and his Lady , join'd with the Value I have always profess'd for your Lordship's Friendship , makes me glad to find this occasion of giving both you and them a publick Testimony of my Respect and Gratitude ; and since you have often shew'd your self willing to know something of the Affairs of Poland , I thought nothing could be more agreeable to your Temper , than that I should inform you chiefly of the Heroick Actions of that great Prince , with whom your Brother for so many Years so prudently manag'd the Interest of the wisest Republick in the World in a long lingring War against the Ottoman Empire . It is to his Kindness that I must own my self indebted for the Honour I have had of being in the Esteem of so Warlike a King , and of being moreover entrusted with the Care of what was most dear to him .

John Sobieski , my Lord , is not so much to be esteem'd for his memorable Exploits after his Election , as for his Merits , and the wise Conduct by which he advanc'd himself from a private Gentleman of an indifferent Fortune , and nothing at all related to any of the former Kings , through all the Posts of the Army to the Crown of Poland , notwithstanding the several powerful Factions which appear'd against him .

Immediately after the Death of the late King Michael Wiesnowiski , John Sobieski then Crown-General gave a signal Overthrow to the Turks near Caminiec , which caus'd a great Alteration in the Republick of Poland ; for thereupon the Turkish Aga and Treasurer were not so peremptory in their demanding Annual Tribute shamefully stipulated for by Michael , as they had been before , but were contented to be put off to the Diet of Election .

A Diet call'd ; The Senate being assembled , order'd publick Rejoicings , and began their Session by leaving off their Mourning for the late King . The Diet which preceded that of the Election was appointed to meet the 15 th of January 1674 , which was design'd to be terminated in 15 days ; but the ordinary Disturbances that arose in these sort of Assemblies , together with the Inclination which every body had to advance General Sobieski , occasion'd it to be prorogu'd till the 22 d or 23 d of February , without doing any thing but assigning a Jointure to the Queen Dowager .

The 20 th of April began the Diet of Election ; Poceeds to Election . the Candidates were in great number , and every ones Pretensions were heard . The Czar of Muscovy , who had been so often baffled at preceding Elections , yet made fresh Interest at this . His Envoy demanded the Crown for his Master's youngest Son , who was then about thirteen or fourteen Years of Age ; but however he neither made so great Profers as formerly , nor us'd any Threats , for he would then have been laugh'd at , Poland being at that juncture in a much better condition than before . Next the Prince of Transilvania offer'd fifteen Millions of Money , as likewise that he would unite his Principality to Poland , and maintain fifteen thousand Men in the Service of that State against the Turk : but these Propositions were look'd upon too considerable to be either real or possible ; for the Poles believ'd that they had possess'd themselves of the greatest Treasure of Transilvania when they chose Stephen Batori for their King . The Elector of Brandenburg likewise had some hopes in favour of the Prince his Son , when he profer'd that he should change his Religion as soon as ever he was elected ; but he soon quitted his Pretensions when he consider'd what had pass'd in regard to the Germans and Protestants in former Elections . If this Prince had been a Roman Catholick , his Family might have had just Pretences to Poland by the Interest of uniting Ducal Prussia to that Kingdom .

Several Candidates . The Dukes of Modena and Parma had also their Envoys at this Election ; but whereas every body thought their business was to ask the Crown , they only came to condole the Death of the late King , and congratulate the Poles on their Victory at Chochim , so that they did not add to the number of the Competitors .

Don Pedro di Ronquillos came from Spain without taking upon him the Quality of Embassador : His Instructions were to recommend Duke Charles of Lorain , after he had done his best in favour of Don John of Austria ; but this Policy did not take , and the Council of Spain afterwards found another Expedient to rid themselves of this Prince .

A French Prince propos'd , but not nam'd . A French Prince , whose Name was not mention'd ( tho I suppose it was the Prince of Conde ) occasion'd the most Jealousy of all the rest . The other Pretenders to the Crown were not a little pleas'd that this Prince was not nam'd . The Duke of Neuburg renew'd his former Pretensions , tho they had succeeded so very ill . He did not desire the Crown for himself , but for his younger Son Prince Philip. This Duke made the like Profers for his Son as he had done for himself at the preceding Diet. The Duke of Lorain solicited powerfully on his part , and Queen Dowager's Zeal . the Queen Dowager had pawn'd even her Jewels to augment his Party ; but a false Report , of which some Letters from Rome gave the occasion , was intended to frustrate all his Endeavours : It was reported that this Prince was marry'd to the Empress Dowager . Every body knew the Obligations he had to that Princess , and how she granted him Protection , and made the Emperor his Friend after he had been depriv'd of his Patrimony by France ; but notwithstanding the Queen Dowager still continu'd her Esteem for him , and soon dissipated the Rumours rais'd against him , by which she brought over the Lithuanians , who seem'd altogether to have forsaken the Interest she had before engag'd them in .

Only three Competitors and Factions left . At length the number of Competitors was reduc'd to three , in favour of whom as many Factions were form'd , all which threaten'd had Consequences . The first Faction was that of Lithuania , headed by the Grand General Patz , who declar'd for the Duke of Lorain . It was observ'd that whilst Patz was discoursing with Sobieski , Grand Marshal of the Crown , at the Camp of Choczin , Sobieski said , that it was convenient to choose a King that was rich , valiant , and not young ; to which Patz added , And who above all is not marry'd . This sufficiently shew'd , that whether the French Prince or Sobieski was propos'd , it would be no small difficulty to obtain the Consent of the Lithuanians , who would have no King but such a one as was in a condition to marry after his Election . The second Faction was that of the Polish Gentry , which was not at all considerable by reason that it was divided , one Part being for a Piasto , and two others for the Duke of Neuburg , and the Duke of Lorain . The Army compos'd the third Faction , which was the most to be fear'd . General Sobieki propos'd the French Prince , but in reality work'd under-hand for himself . France employ'd its Interest for the Duke of Whose Interest France espouses . Neuburg , looking upon him as less engag'd to the House of Austria than the Duke of Lorain , who was indebted to that Family for all he either had or could expect . If this French Prince had been but nam'd when he was put up , doubtless he would soon have ruin'd the Measures of the Germans , for whom the Republick never had any Kindness , who consequently might have sav'd themselves a great deal of fruitless Charge had they never thought of the Crown of Poland ; but on the contrary , their Ambition has all along hitherto surmounted the Dictates of their Reason .

Magnificent Trains . The Gentry arriv'd at the Diet one after another with their Followers ; but however . none had any thing like the Train of the two Marshals of the Crown and of Lithuania : their Parties seem'd too numerous to assist at a Diet where there is so much Freedom as in that of Poland . Nevertheless Sobieski must be indulg'd considering the great Services he had done the State , and common Justice requir'd the same Liberty for the Lithuanians . These two Generals no doubt had different Intentions . Sobieski apparently sought the Crown from himself , and Patz his Design was to hinder him from obtaining it . Both had a fair opportunity to come to Blows , but it seems Fate had order'd it otherwise , tho the Duke of Lorain was with an Army on the Borders of Silesia to animate his Friends .

Lithuania against a Native . The Lithuanians , who plainly perceiv'd that Sobieski aim'd at the Crown , omitted nothing that might prove a means to exclude him from it : They therefore endeavour'd all they could to raise ill Thoughts of a Piasto , and proclaim'd those Enemies to their Country who were not of their Opinion . This was thought so very unjust , that most of the Diet protested against it , and that with so great Indignation , that there would doubtless have been a great deal of Blood shed had not the great Prudence of Sapieha grand Treasurer of Lithuania , and Marshal of the Diet , intercepted and appeas'd their Fury .

The first that had Audience of this Assembly Foreign Ministers admitted . was Francis Bonvisius the Pope's Nuncio , who desir'd them in the Name of his Holiness to elect a Catholick Prince . Next Christopher Count of Schafgots the Emperor's Embassador , recommended the Duke of Lorain ; as likewise did the Bishop of Marseilles the eldest Son of the Duke of Neuburg , in the Name of his Master the King of France . The Ministers of these two Competitors made almost the same Profers as they had formerly done ; yet notwithstanding the before-mentioned different Factions , did not forsake the Interest of those whose Party they had espous'd ; for that of Sobieski continu'd to insist , in all outward appearance , on the Anonymous French Prince , whose Character had procur'd him a great many Suffrages . And the other of the Great Chancellor Patz , tho not so strong , yet was not a whit less constant to the Interest of the Queen and Duke of Lorain . Both these remaining A double Election apprehended . so obstinate in their Pretensions , gave great reason to apprehend a double Election , which caus'd some of the more prudent sort to represent the great Disorders that had ensu'd from thence in the preceding Elections of the Kings Batori and Sigismund , but this with little or no effect .

These Contests and Heats occasion'd the Diet to be prolong'd to the 19 th of May. The Senate deputed four or five Bishops to the Queen to acquaint her , that if her Majesty would please to forsake the Interest of the Duke of Lorain , they had orders to offer her Prince Philip of Neuburg for her Husband , together with the Crown . These Ministers the Queen receiv'd very civilly , and thank'd the Senate for their Kindness to her , but withal insinuated , that she did not believe that The Queen and Patz endeavour'd to be seduc'd . they were yet absolute Masters of the Election , since her Friends the Lithuanians had not forsaken her . The same Prelats perceiving the unalterable Resolution of the Queen , went in quest of the Grand General Patz , whom they also found firm in the Duke of Lorain's Interest , which yet they could not but commend in him , he having had great Obligations to the Queen .

Lithuania tends towards a Civil War . The next day all the Gentry of Poland and Lithuania met again , each Party resolving to maintain what they had undertaken . It was plainly to be perceiv'd that Sobieski was strong enough to make himself Head of the Election , and therefore the other side had thoughts of joining the Duke of Lorain's Army ; but this made all Men tremble who had regard to the Good of the Publick . At last the Palatin of Russia made a Speech to the Assembly , representing , That the Queen having refus'd a Husband which the Government had profer'd her , the Republick had no more to do with her ; and that they had done but too much already for the House of Austria and Germany , neither of which had ever done them any Service ; that notwithstanding the Opposition of the Lithuanians who did but dishonour their Country by excluding a Piasto , yet they ought to choose one , to shew the World that if their Ancestors had not done the like oftner , it was because they had a mind to avoid the Jealousies which would have arisen between so many Subjects that deserv'd the Crown ; and that since now there was one present whose Merit was not to be question'd , they ought forthwith to elect him . Then he proceeded to name John Sobieski with this Character , That his Life had been entirely devoted to the Service of the State , which even while he was speaking , peaceably enjoy'd the Fruits of his late Victory at Chocim ; and further , that this present Happiness was hut a Specimen of what he was able to do for his Country : and lastly , that the Crown was due to Sobieski out of meer Gratitude and Acknowledgment , since it was through his means that they sat there , and had a Power to dispose of it .

Poland and part of Lithuania biass'd to Sobieski by a Speech . The Gentry of Russia being influenc'd by what their Palatin had said , immediately declar'd for Sobieski , who was a Native of their Province , and all the rest of Poland soon follow'd their Example ; together with some Palatinates of Lithuania , brought over by the Management of Prince Radzivil Vice-Chancellor of that Dutchy ; every one being forward to deserve Favours from one whom they had acknowledg'd for their Prince .

Patz retires and dissents ; The Great General of Lithuania being highly displeas'd at all these Proceedings , left the Diet in a Heat , and together with his Friends march'd out of the Field about Nine at Night , no body being able to bring him back . Hereupon he immediately enters ▪ Protest against this Election , alledging that it was against the Constitution of the Kingdom for any King to be chosen without the common Consent . The next day , being the 20 th of May , the Lithuanians return'd into the Field , but retir'd after having made their Protestations against this Election ; whereupon several Senators and Nuncio's were sent to re-cal them , but their Answer was , that they were going to deliberate upon the Matter , and would inform them of their Resolutions by their Deputies . The Poles and Lithuanians who had espous'd Sobieski's Interest , forthwith commanded the Bishop of Cracow to proclaim him ; which notwithstanding this Prelate declin'd , wisely foreseeing the Disorders so rash an Election might occasion , and which might probably end in a Civil War .

Complies , with the rest of Lithuania . The Deputies of Lithuania arriv'd a little while after ; whereof the Chief being the Bishop of Vilna , Brother to the Grand General , deliver'd the Message , giving Sobieski the Title only of Grand Marshal ; yet in the conclusion of his Discourse he told them , that he was ready to give his Vote for him , but desir'd the proclaiming him might be defer'd till next day , to the end the Lithuanians might assist at it , and thereby the Election become unanimous : which Request of his was readily granted . Whereupon the 21st of May Andrew Trzebicki Bishop of Cracow , who presided at the Diet in the room of the Primate Czartoriski just then deceas'd ( which happen'd very well for Sobieski , the Primate having been no Friend of his ) went with the Senators before the New Prince to the Place of Election , where they were met by the Lithuanians with their General Patz at their head , who was too politick not to assist there with his whole Family .

JOHN SOBIESKI was soon after proclaim'd , John III. 1674. and the Gentry proceeded to sing Te Deum in the Cathedral of Warsaw , ending the Day with usual Acclamations and Rejoicings .

This Prince was descended of a Noble and Antient Family , tho none of the most considerable , nor richest in the Kingdom . His Father His Father . James Sobieski was Castellan of Cracovia , a Person no less eminent for his Abilities in Affairs of State , than renown'd for his Courage and Conduct in the Field . He was employ'd in the Year 1621 , as Embassador and Plenipotentiary upon a Treaty of Peace , which by his Prudence and Address was honourably concluded with Sultan Osman . He distinguish'd himself likewise on many other important Occasions ; and after several other great Services faithfully perform'd for his Country , he dy'd in the Year 1646.

His Mother . His Mother was one of the Daughters of Stanislaus Zolkiewski , Grand Chancellor and Grand General of the Crown , who bravely fought that memorable Battle at Cicora on the 10th of September 1620 ; and tho he was again five times attack'd by the Turks on the 2d of October in the same Year , yet he gallantly repuls'd them , till at last being overpower'd with Numbers , and forsaken by his Followers , he was slain , couragiously fighting among the thickest Troops of his Enemies .

His Travels . This Prince was carefully educated by his Parents in his Youth , and sent to travel into France , where his Father bought him a Captain of Horse's Commission , which gain'd him great Experience : He also travell'd into England , Germany and Italy ; where having observ'd all the different Manners , Interests , Laws , Military Discipline , Strength and Policies of those People , and , in a word , all else that was necessary for a Person of Quality to learn in his Travels , he at last return'd home , when Casimir after several Trials both of his Valour and Discretion , and admiring at his great Merit and quick Parts , which he had improv'd so well both in Languages , Sciences , and Military Accomplishments , made him first a Colonel of Foot , and afterwards Captain of his Guards ; and from thence advanc'd him gradually through all the Posts of his Army , till he arriv'd at being Grand Marshal of the Crown in the room of Lubomirski , and Grand General of Poland in the room of Potoski . He behav'd himself in all these Employments with that Courage and Prudence as became a Souldier , and was reputed the Hero of his Age , and the Terrour of the Ottoman Empire .

His Marriage . He marry'd Mary de la Grange , Daughter to the Marquess of Arquien ( not long since made Cardinal ) of the Family of La Grange in Nivernois in France . She , by the contrivance of King Casimir's Queen , to whom she was Maid of Honour , was first marry'd to Prince Zamoiski , one of the greatest Palatins in the Kingdom , and after his Death to the Grand General Sobieski , by whom she had several Children , and amongst the ●●est three hopeful Princes , the eldest of which has the Honour to be Brother-in-Law to the Emperour , King of Spain , King of Portugal , and to the Duke of Modena , by marrying one of the Princesses of Neuburgh .

This Prince was not Crown'd till above fifteen Months after his Election ; during which time , he gain'd great Advantages over the Turks , and forc'd them to a Peace at Zorowna , whereby they were oblig'd to remit the yearly Tribute , stipulated for by King Michael , but were still to be left in possession of the Fortress of Caminiec .

At the time of his Election he was pleas'd His Generosity . to promise , of his own free Will and Motion , that the Queen-Dowager should be provided for sutably to her high Quality and extraordinary Merit ; as also , that the Arrears of the Army should be forthwith discharg'd out of his own Revenues , since the publick Stock was then hardly able to do it . He conferr'd the Command of Grand Marshal on Prince Demetrius , Uncle to the late King , and that of Lieutenant General of the Crown , thereby becoming vacant , on the Palatin of Cracovia . But as he signify'd his Resolution to prosecute the War against the Turk with the utmost Vigour , so he promis'd that at his own particular Charges he would raise one thousand Foot , and maintain them during the War ; and this to encourage the Senators and other Great Men of the Kingdom , to do the like proportionably : For which reason , he desir'd that he might retain the Command of Great General in his own hands till the Campagn was ended , for that the present Urgency of Affairs was like to prevent his Coronation ▪ To which Propositions the Nobility immediately assented .

A Jointure assign'd the Queen-Dowager . Pursuant to the King's Promise , the Queen-Dowager , by the Consent of the Diet ▪ had a yearly Revenue of two hundred thousand Guilders assign'd her , with Liberty to reside in any of the Polish Dominions , except Cracow , or some other fortify'd Places on the Borders of Silesia ; whereupon her Majesty made choice of Thorn in Prussia for her Residence .

Tho the King was most solicitous to carry on the War against the Turk , yet the Nobility and Senators were generally as remiss therein : for tho they had promis'd him Maintenance for sixty thousand Men , yet he now desir'd but forty thousand ; however , such were their Dissensions and Jealousies , that they would not afford him so many .

Notwithstanding , to oppose the Turks , Muscovites and Tartars in the Vkraine , he got together a small Army of about fifteen or sixteen thousand Men , with which he march'd from Warsaw the 22d of August , towards the Frontiers ; when at the same time the Muscovite General 's Army consisted of above one hundred thousand ; but which nevertheless did no damage , being diverted by the Turks by a Stratagem , insomuch that these , with the Tartars , quickly got possession of all Vkraina , except two or three Places .

The Troops of Lithuania , consisting of about twelve thousand Men , came up to the King , which made his Army amount to near thirty thousand ; so that he immediately call'd a Council of War at Slotzow , and resolv'd to march directly toward the Vkraine , with design to fall upon the Enemy with all the fury imaginable , notwithstanding some Overtures of Peace made him by the Vizier : But this was look'd upon by the Poles only as a Stratagem to amuse them , and foment the Jealousies of the Muscovites ; by which means the Turks thought to divide them .

Accordingly , upon his Approaches , he sends out the Woievod of Russia to learn the Condition of the Enemy , who , near the Walls of Caminiec , surpriz'd and defeated a thousand Turkish Horse , and brought a hundred and fifty away Prisoners . Whereupon he proceeds vigorously , and takes several Towns of great Importance in Podolia .

But at this time the Lithuanians would needs leave his Majesty and return home , alledging , that they were not able to bear the rigour of the Winter . But nevertheless the King with his Gallant Poles resolv'd to continue the Campagn , His Conquests . and push on his good Fortune ; scarce a Week passing , but some considerable Place or other was yielded to him , the Turks all this while not daring in the least to oppose him . So that now his Majesty had subdu'd all that part of Vkraina , which lies Westward of the Nieper , except only the City of Czebryn .

In April 1675 , the Turks and Tartars began in numerous Bodies to take the Field : notwithstanding the King , animated by his natural Courage , resolv'd not to stir a foot , but forthwith reinforc'd the several Garisons of Mohilow , Braclaw , Nimirow , Kalmick and Bialicierkiew ; which done , he had hardly forces enough left to deserve the Name of an Army .

The Turks and Tartars , after having been baffled at Slotskow , march'd directly towards Leopol , where the King's Army lay within a Mile of the Town . That way the Enemy was to approach , there was an Ascent of about three hundred Paces , when one was to descend again by a very narrow Way , amidst a Wood that had lately been cut down . At the foot of this Hill there was a Plain , through which the Tartars must necessarily pass to come at the Poles . Here the King posted his Brother-in-Law Duke Radzivil with some Troops for Guard of the Pass on the Right-hand of his Camp . And General Kariski on the Left , caus'd several Cannon to be planted on a Hill , whence they might annoy the Enemy in the Plain . He also caus'd the Wood on each side the narrow Way to be well lin'd with several Companies of Musketeers . After which his Majesty order'd some Troops of Horse to advance into the Plain to oppose the Enemy , who about four in the Afternoon appear'd in such Numbers , that they almost cover'd the Ground . In the mean time the King from a Hill observ'd their Motions : After which with his usual Air of Gallantry , common to him in time of Action , at the Head of the remaining part of his small Army he descended into the Plain , encouraging his Souldiers , by telling them that he came there with full Resolution either to conquer , or die . Whereupon , A Battle . repeating thrice the Name of Jesus , he briskly advanc'd towards the Enemy . The Fight began with great Fury on both sides ; the King omitting nothing either as to Courage or Conduct , but performing both the part of a most prudent General and a valiant Souldier , by his Example inspiring all the rest of his Officers , insomuch that with this small handful of Men he forc'd Multitudes of the Enemy to fly before Night , leaving behind them incredible Numbers slain upon the place .

The King would gladly have pursu'd the Enemy , but that the Night prevented ; and that he fear'd likewise , lest the Cham might come up to their Assistance . In this memorable Victory , the greatest perhaps that has been known in any Age , the King had not actually with him much above five thousand Men , the rest having been left to secure the City of Leopol and the Passes . With this small Party , to defeat by downright Fighting an Army of threescore thousand Men , has more of Prodigy than Probability in it ; yet so great was the Fright and Consternation of these Tartars , that they fled in one Night as many Leagues as they had march'd in three Days before .

But here this Dispute did not end , for the Cham and Ismael Bassa , to shew they were not dismay'd at this ill Success , resolv'd to march against the King ; and in order thereto , commanded a Body of two thousand Janizaries out to attack a Castle near Brzeziani , wherein were only sixty Poles , who defended themselves so bravely , that they repuls'd the Enemy with great Loss .

Soon after a Body of ten thousand Tartars advancing somewhat near the City of Leopol , the King sent out the Lord Harkownisky with a good Squadron of Horse against them , who after a brisk Engagement forc'd them to take to their Heels , leaving Thousands of their Companions dead upon the Spot . In this Action there were several brave Polish Gentlemen slain .

Afterwards the King being again ioin'd by the Lithuanians , by which his Army amounted to fifteen thousand Men , march'd to seek out the Enemy , tho by a modest computation they might be reckon'd seven times as many . But understanding that the Enemy had besieg'd Podhais taken by the Turks . Podhais , he was marching thither to relieve it ; when , by the way , he receiv'd Intelligence of its being surrender'd , burnt and plunder'd , and twelve thousand Persons made Prisoners , tho the Garison had expresly capitulated to march out with Bag ▪ and Baggage . The King was extreamly nettled that so many Christians should be made Slaves , and his Territories laid desolate ; therefore he resolv'd forthwith to remedy it , or perish in the Attempt , for he march'd the same day towards the Enemy , who were then set down before Buozalz ; but upon notice of his Approaches , they rais'd their Siege , and retreated with all their Forces to Trembowla , which they likewise invested . Here they were often repuls'd with great Loss , yet continu'd obstinate to pursue their Enterprize , till at last happening to intercept a Peasant that was carrying a Letter from the King to the Governour , wherein his Majesty assur'd him , that he was coming with all speed to his Relief ; the Terrour of King Sobieski's Name struck such a faintness into the Infidels , that they immediately dislodg'd their Cannon from their Batteries , which consisted of a hundred Pieces , and forthwith march'd towards Caminiec with a great deal of Confusion . Nay , so great was their Consternation , that under the Cannon of Caminiec they thought not themselves sufficiently secure ; for not daring to stand an Engagement with the Poles , they resolv'd to pass the Niester , and march towards Valachia : Yet this they could not do so speedily , but Prince Lubomirski , with part of the King's Army , fell upon their Rear , and slew great Numbers of them . The Turks , by the Fear they were in of being farther pursu'd , re-pass'd the Danube , and the Tartars return'd home with great Precipitation by the way of Bialogrod . Whereupon the King resolv'd to put his Army into Winter-quarters , and so to return home ; which he did to the Joy and Satisfaction of all his Subjects .

It being now high time to prepare for the Ceremony of the Coronation , January the 17th the Corps of the late King Michael was convey'd from Warsaw in a Herse drawn by eight Horses , attended by all the Officers of his Houshold , and several Persons of Quality , to Cracow ; where , together with the Body of King Casimir , likewise brought lately out of France , it was honourably interr'd , all Decency and Respect being paid to both their Memories . This Ceremony being dispatch'd , His Coronation . 1676. John Sobieski , with his Queen Mary , were both Crown'd in the Castle of Cracow the 2d of February , in the Year 1676 , with great Pomp and Magnificence .

After this the King applying himself to supply the Vacancies ( as usual ) made Lubomirski Grand Marshal of the Kingdom ; the Lord Siniawski Court-Marshal , and Prince Demetrius Wisnowiski Palatin of Beltz . He likewise bestow'd the Command of General of the Forces of the Kingdom on Jablownowski Palatin of Russia , at present Great General of Poland .

In June following Sultan Nuradin , with the two Sons of the Great Cham , pass'd the Niester with a great Army , having sent out Parties before to ravage the Country . At the same time Ibrahim Bassa advanc'd likewise to several Posts about Caminiec . Whereupon the King order'd what Troops he could get together near Leopol , where they were to rendezvouz , and likewise convok'd the Pospolite , or Militia , for the defence of the Country .

My Lord Rochester's Embassy into Poland in the Year 1676 ▪ The same Year his Excellency Mr. Hyde , now Earl of Rochester , was sent Embassador from his Majesty Charles the IId to the Court of Poland , to congratulate the King upon his Accession to the Crown , and to stand for his Master Godfather to the young Princess , now Electoress of Bavaria . He arriv'd at Dantzic in August , where meeting with the Queen of Poland , who made a Journey thither while the King was in the Field , he had Audience of her Majesty there , and presented the young Princess her Daughter with a very rich Jewel , a Cross of Diamonds of great Value : He afterwards set forward for Poland , and was received by the King in his Camp near Leopol in Russia , with Demonstrations of Respect and Kindness sutable to his Character and Person ; where his Majesty sent some of his chief Officers to shew him the Army , and their way of Encamping .

The Turks and Tartars began to appear now very formidable , and yet at the same time continu'd so sensible of their last Year's Defeats , and so dreaded the Name of King Sobieski , that they seem'd to desire nothing more than Peace ; for which purpose the Grand Seignior , by the Prince of Moldavia , made Peace concludedwith the Turks . an Overture for a Treaty , which was accepted after a Battle gain'd by the Poles , and some other small Mischiefs done on both sides .

The Peace being thus happily concluded to the Advantage of Poland , his Majesty return'd in November to Zulkiew , his own Patrimony , whither my Lord Rochester waiting upon him , Audience to the English Embassador . had his publick Audience there in a more solemn Manner than before . He was first carried in the King's Coach , and then received by the Court-Marshal , ( who is in the Nature of a Lord Chamberlain ) at the Stairs-foot of the Palace , and was conducted to his Majesty , who receiv'd him standing under a rich Canopy of State : and after two Months residing there , his Excellency had his Audience of Leave , and return'd into England through Silesia , Austria , and the Empire .

The Poles enjoy'd this Peace with the Turks till the Year 1683 , when they came under the Command of Cara Mustapha their Grand Vizier , to besiege Vienna , whereof Count Starenberg He relieves Vienna . was Governour . The King , with his Son Prince James , Prince Lubomirski , and most of the Polish Grandees , came with an Army only , as they assur'd me , of twenty four thousand Men to relieve it . This the King of Poland was oblig'd to by the Alliance sign'd with his Imperial Majesty in 1683. When being join'd by the Imperial Army , together with the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony , the Duke of Lorain , and a great Number of other Princes of the Empire , in all amounting to near fifty thousand Men ; he attack'd the Turks with such Bravery and Conduct , that on the 12th of September they , tho consisting of 191800 Men , as appear'd by a List found in the Grand Vizier's Tent , were oblig'd , after an entire Defeat , to raise the Siege , and retire Defeat of the Turks . towards Hungary . The great Standard and the Horse's Tail were taken by the Poles , who obstinately pursu'd the Turks in their flight , tho no great way , being too much fatigu'd before . There was also great Booty found in the Turkish Camp , which was wholly plunder'd , even to the Tent of the Grand Vizier , where they met with great Riches in Gold , Silver , and other precious things . All their Ammunition and Baggage , with their Artillery , consisting of above a hundred Pieces of Cannon , were taken .

This mighty Victory was obtain'd with not above the Loss of a thousand Men on the Christians side , and of those very few Persons of Quality . This Overthrow was chiefly ascrib'd to the great Conduct and Courage of the King of Poland , who exposed his Person among the thickest of the Enemy , having always by him the Prince his Son , who thus early signaliz'd himself . Nor ought the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony , the Duke of Lorain and Prince Waldec , to go without their share in the Glory , since they all behav'd themselves so wonderfully well in this memorable Action .

His Entry through the Breach of Vienna . The King made his Entry into Vienna , through the Breach , with great Acclamations of the People , the great Turkish Standard being carry'd before him , which he afterwards sent to the Pope , and which I have seen hung up in the Church at Loretto in Italy . Next day after his Entry , the Emperour came to meet him , and made him his Acknowledgments with the most endearing Expressions imaginable , while K. John receiv'd his Compliments with a Modesty equal to his Courage . After his Imperial Majesty had order'd a rich Sword , set with Diamonds , to be presented to Prince James , he departed , and the King of Poland decamp'd with his Army , and march'd towards He pursues the Turks . Wisena in Hungary , and thence by a Bridg of Boats over the Danube , about a Mile below Presburg , on the twenty fifth of September ; and on the twenty seventh the Imperial Army follow'd him over the same Place .

On the ninth of October , understanding that a Body of about fourteen thousand Turks lay encamp'd near Barkan , being the choicest of the remaining Troops , under the Command of several Bassas , the King of Poland , and some of the Imperial Troops , advanc'd thither . The Turks no sooner saw them , but they march'd briskly up , and charg'd them very desperately ; but being as warmly receiv'd , after a sharp Encounter the Infidels were put to flight ; one of their Bassas slain , another taken , and the rest of them hurrying over the Bridg at Gran , the same broke , and all that were upon it drown'd ; so that of all that great Body of Men , there were scarce four thousand escap'd .

Takes Zytchin in Hungary . The next considerable Exploit was the taking of Zytchin , a Place of great Importance in Hungary ; for the King having parted with the Duke of Lorain , and understanding that the Turks had a considerable Garison at that Place which might incommode the Communication betwixt his Troops and the Imperialists , he sent his Son with the Palatin of Lublin to invest it ; but the Garison soon retir'd into the Castle , which the King immediately commanded to be storm'd : Whereupon the Turks hung out a white Flag , and the Commander in Chief , with two others , came out and begg'd his Majesty to permit them to march to Buda ; which was granted , and they left behind them a great Quantity of Provisions and Ammunition . This Town he put into the hands of the Imperialists . Next the King sent to summon two Castles , Brigh and Holoch , which soon yielded at Discretion . Then he return'd to his own Kingdom , but left the Lithuanian Troops in Winter-quarters behind him . He arriv'd at Cracow the 21st of December , where he was joyfully receiv'd with Testimonies of an universal Affection from his People ; and to render his Triumphs yet more compleat , he was saluted at his Arrival with the News of the General of the Cosacks , the Sieur Kiniski's having obtain'd a great Victory over the Turks and Tartars in the Vkraine .

He afterwards made a League Offensive and Enters into a League against the Turks . Defensive with the present Emperor , the Pope , and Venetians against the Turks , which has continu'd ever since , tho very little to the advantage of either Party . The Poles , since the Siege of Vienna , have been highly disgusted at the ill Treatment they receiv'd from the Germans , whom they had deliver'd from the Turkish Invasion ; and besides , it is thought that the King for several Years lean'd towards the French Interest .

'T is certain , that at last he lov'd Money so Is immoderately Covetous . well , that I heard the Poles themselves say , That he was the most covetous and richest Prince that ever sway'd their Scepter . Every Year , for the 22 Years he reign'd , they computed that he laid up a hundred thousand Pound sterling ; all which should have been disburs'd in the Expences of the War , as all his Predecessors were wont to do . Some of the Gentry told me moreover , that if his Son James hapned to succeed him , he would be oblig'd to disburse the best part of that Treasure to pay the eight Years Arrears due then to the Army .

As for what relates to King Sobieski's Person , His Person and Dress . He was a tall and corpulent Prince , large fac'd and full ey'd , went always in the same Dress with his Subjects ; which because it is different from any other in Europe , I thought an Account of it would not be unacceptable to your Lordship . They have all their Hair cut round about their Ears like Monks , and wear The Habits of his Subjects . furr'd Caps , large Whiskers , and no Neckcloths ; a long Coat hangs down to their Heels , and a Wastcoat under that of the same length tied close about the Waste with a Girdle : Their Sleeves are extream close , like those of Mariners , coming down to their Wrists , with a Flap on the back of the Hand , which reaches as far as the middle Nuckle , which they turn up in hot Weather , and let down in cold , for they never wear any Gloves . This long Coat is of strong Cloth , and is lin'd in the Winter with rich Fur , but in Summer only with light Silk ; tho I have seen at Court some of the Persons of Quality wear Furs as they us'd to do in Winter , for it is a fine Ornament : under this Wastcoat they wear wide Shirts like Womens Smocks , tied loose about their Necks , with wide Sleeves coming down to their Wrists . As to their Breeches they are likewise very wide , and with their Stockings make one continued piece . Instead of Shoes they always wear both abroad and at home Turky Leather Boots with very thin Soles , and hollow deep Heels made of a blade of Iron bent hoopwise into the form of a Half-moon . They carry a large Scimiter , the Sheath equally flat and broad from the handle to the bottom ; it 's generally set richly with Diamonds , according to the Quality of the Person . It 's customary all over the Kingdom , not only among the Gentry , but also amongst the Vulgar , to carry Pole-Axes in their Hands , or on their Arms ; they take care that this Pole-Ax be kept bright and shining , with Plates of Silver round the handle , and sometimes set with Jewels . I have seen the Palatins and other Senators come with those Pole-Axes into the King's Presence , which seem'd when I came first to Court a●● frightful Sight , tho reckon'd an Ornament ; but I was inform'd that at first it was for Defence , the Nation being tumultuous and quarrelsom , that they might make use of these Pole-Axes in a Throng where their Scimiters could be of no use . This Dress looks extreme manly , particularly on Horseback , and is the most expensive of any that I have seen in Europe ; for their Furs are very fine and dear , their very Fur Caps cost sometimes 20 or 30 Guineas : they change the Fashion of making their Clothes as often as our Western Countries do .

His Character . The King was a well spoken Prince , of very easy Access , and extream civil , and had most of the good Qualities requisite in a Gentleman ; he was not only well vers'd in all Military Affairs , but likewise in all Polite and Scholastick Learning ; besides his own Tongue the Sclavonian , he understood the Latin , French , Italian , German and Turkish Languages ; he delighted much in Natural History , and in all the parts of Physick ; he us'd to reprimand the Clergy for not admitting into the University and Schools the Modern Philosophy ; he lov'd to hear Persons discourse of those Matters , and had a particular Talent to set People about him very artfully by the Ears , that by their Disputes he might be diverted , as hapned often in my time , especially He engages the Author in a Physical Dispute . once when I was undesignedly concerned my self ; the King being at Dinner , and having the Bishops of Posnania , Plosko , Vilna , and other Divines about him , particularly Father Vota , an ingenious Jesuit , the King ask'd me in Latin , What part of the Body I thought the Soul was in ? I was willing to decline talking of that Subject , and told the King , That being a Physician , my chief Enquiry was about the Body , and that the Divines there present were able to satisfy his Majesty . The King reply'd , That since the Soul has an Influence upon the Body , and since the Passions of the Mind , as Anger and Fear , breed Fevers and other Distempers , it was necessary that the Physicians should examine the Soul in that respect as well as the Body . I answer'd , That Physicians did enquire into the Nature of Passions , and observ'd that there was such an Influence of the Soul upon the Body , and of the Body upon the Soul , that alter'd the thoughts of the one as well as the Operations of the other ; but that the Soul being a Substance invisible , and without Extension , it was impossible for Physicians to conceive the Nature of it themselves , or explain it to others , as they do that of the Body , which they take into pieces by Anatomy , and resolve into its minutest Elements by Chymistry ; that the Physicians only agree in the main , that the supreme Author of things has establish'd such Laws between the Soul and the Body , which make a mutual Correspondence between them ; that as for the Seat of the Soul , I might perhaps differ from the Divines then present , and consequently oppose the common Doctrine of the Schools , for they hold , with Aristotle , that the Soul is entire in all the Body , and wholly in every part of the Body , which was impossible to conceive ; for if the Soul was entire in every part of the Body , there would be as many Souls in the Body as there are Parts , since it is impossible that the self-same Substance , tho an indivisible Spirit , can ever be in two places at the same time ; besides , the Soul can't be but where it does think ▪ and every one finds by Experience , that his Thought is not in his Hands nor Feet , but is conscious to himself that his Thought is in his Head , and that consequently the Soul must be only in the Brain , which is the Seat of Sensation , and the Origin of all the Nerves , which are the Organs of Perception and Motion . Father Vota being alarm'd at this Doctrine , which seem'd altogether new in that part of Europe , said , That if the Soul was only in the Head , the rest of the Body would be dead , since the receiv'd Opinion was , that the Soul was the Life of the whole Body , and that to enliven the whole Body , the Soul must be wholly present in every part of it . This drew on a longer Dispute than I expected ; for I answer'd , That the Rational Soul was not the Life of the Body , but the Blood only and the Animal Spirits , and that this Blood and Spirits circulated equally all over the Body , and gave it its natural Heat and Motion , which is properly its Life : and that this Circulation of the Blood and Spirits could not possibly depend on the Rational Soul , because it was an involuntary Motion formed by the Mechanic Structure of the Body , and by the natural Impulse of the Heart , which is the Primum Mobile of the whole Machine ; and that tho they all held not only in Poland , but in other Countries , that the Rational Soul perform'd every minute Action in the Body , yet this Opinion was irreconcilable with the free Will of the Mind , which they all admitted ▪ for since they allow that whatever the Soul does , not only it is conscious of it , but likewise does it freely without being necessitated thereto ; when as it is evidently obvious to every one , that the vital Motions in our Bodies , I mean the Motion of the Heart , and that of Respiration , with the Peristaltic Motion of the Stomach and Guts , are perform'd naturally with such Mechanism that the Soul can't stop them ; no nor as much as hasten or retard them , and that the Soul is not at all conscious of them ; for if we think of any Object , or not think at all , as when we are asleep , or in an Apoplex , those vital Motions go on equally the same .

The Bishop of Posnania , who was bred up in his Youth a Physician , seem'd to speak in favour of this Opinion , as did likewise some others of the Company ; which made the Jesuit very angry , insomuch that he acquainted them in a kind of Passion , That neither the King nor they ought to hearken to any Discourse contrary to the receiv'd Opinion of the Church ; that it might have been a pernicious Discourse had it been publick : for ( says he ) if the Soul be not in all the Body , and if it does not animate the Body and perform all its vital Functions , it would be of no use , and consequently we should live like other Animals . I answer'd him , That doubtless the Operations of Life were perform'd by the same Mechanism in us as they were in Brutes , since we have the same Organs with them , as likewise the same Fluids to enliven us : That the Prerogatives of the Soul are not less for its not being present to every Action of the Body ; for the Soul , tho it is not the cause of spontaneous or vital Motion in us , yet it performs all voluntary Actions , as speaking , walking , and all other free Motions of the Body ; it receiv'd all Impressions from the five Senses ; it forms to it self all Ideas of ambient Objects : it reasons upon them , to know what 's most useful and hurtful to it self , and to the Body . The Soul , in short , is like the Pilot , tho it does not set the Body in motion , as the Wind does a Ship , yet it is capable of governing its Actions , and directing voluntarily its Course .

The Dispute continues . The King being thus satisfied , that the rational Soul did not actuate , as they call it , or enliven all the Parts of the Body , desir'd to know what was properly Death . The School Divinity maintains that Death was a Separation of the rational Soul from the Body . I own'd indeed that in Death the Soul was actually separated from the Body , but I could not allow that that Separation was the cause of Death , but that the Death of the Body was the Cessation of the Motion of the Heart , of the Blood , and of the Spirits ; which Cessation could not proceed from the Separation of the Soul , since these don't at all depend upon it , as I proved before ; but it was occasion'd by some Defects in the Organs and Fluids of the Body , which losing their due Disposition , and their mutual Correspondence with one another , all their Actions cease , which Cessation is properly called Death ; so that the Soul finding them incapable of receiving its Influence , and of obeying its Commands , quits the Body after it is dead : by which it appears that the Separation of the Soul is not properly the Cause of Death , but that the Death of the Body is the cause of the Separation . The King himself illustrated this Opinion with a familiar Example of an Organ and an Organist : While the Organs were in their due order and symetry , the Organist play'd upon them ; but when by length of time they were either broke , used too much , or any other way quite put out of Tune , he leaves off playing on them .

This Discourse , my Lord , held from three of the Clock till seven , and the Divines were extreamly warm in it ; and some of them had the boldness to tell the King , that his Majesty should not suffer such Heretical Opinions ( as they called them ) to be introduc'd before such a great Assembly , contrary to the receiv'd Doctrine of the Church . This Discourse caused a great many other Matters to be talk'd on , of which it would be too long to inform your Lordship . By this you may plainly see how fond the Divines are of their old Opinions , relying upon the Doctrine of Aristotle , whom we can't suppose to be so throughly acquainted with the Structure , Springs , and Motions of the Humane Body , nor indeed with all other Natural Causes , as the Modern Physicians are : yet it is the Policy of the Divines , not only in Poland , but in Spain , Italy , and in most other Countries where their Power is very great , not to let any Opinions creep in among them , that would seem to contradict those of Aristotle ; for having built their Systems of Divinity upon the Principles of this Pagan Philosopher , they are justly afraid , that if Experience and Reason should shake the Foundation , the Superstructure would fall to the Ground , as doubtless it would for the most part .

His Buildings . This King built several fine Houses both in Russia , and other parts of the Kingdom , particularly three Miles from Warsaw , a neat Country House call'd Villa Nova , very richly furnished . He has had several Natural Children , but took no care of any of them ; for it is not customary in Poland to have that Consideration for them as there is in other Countries : but he left vast Riches to his Lawful Children , and made a Motion in the Diet five His Care of his Children . or six Years before he died , to settle the Succession on one of them . He told the Assembly of the Disorders that usually happened in Elections after the King's Death ; that the Turks and the Tartars took then Opportunities to make Inroads into the Country and ravage all before them ; that the Nobility of the Kingdom were generally divided , headed by Factions , and biass'd by Self-interest against the publick Good of their Country ; and that he himself would be glad to prevent all those dangerous Broils before he died , out of the Love he bore to his Country , and Subjects . But the Diet finding that his private Design was to get one of his Sons elected , answered , That they hoped that his Majesty would live yet a long while ; that it was necessary to take a long time to consider of a Matter of that great moment : which the King seeing it was a civil way of refusing to enter upon that Subject , never after intimated any thing to them like it , but took all possible care to enrich his Children in case none of them should be elected after his Death . It was exactly computed to me that he laid up every Year for above twenty Years 100000 l. Sterl . which His great Riches . he left partly in Bankers Hands at Dantzick , Hamburgh and Amsterdam , and put the rest into the hands of the Jews , who are very numerous in that Kingdom , to trade with it ; besides , he bought great Territories in the Kingdom , tho it is against the Constitution ; so that his three Sons , James , Alexander and Constantino , if they manage their Affairs right , may be worth each above 50000 l. Sterling per Annum ; for it is the Law in Poland , to divide equally the Estate among the Children .

The Queen's first coming into Poland . The Queen was but ten or twelve Years of Age , when she together with the present Duke of Gordon's Aunt , afterwards married to Count Morstin great Treasurer of Poland , came from France into this Kingdom , with Ladislaus King of Poland's Queen , who made them both her Maids of Honour , and took great care of Madamoiselle d' Arquien , being very ingenious Her first Marriage . and beautiful : She got her married first to Prince Zamoiski , who soon left her a Widow , with a Jointure of about 2000 l. a Year ; she was afterwards married in Casimir's Reign to John Sobieski , then Captain of the Guards , who was not very willing to marry her until the King promis'd that he would give him considerable Places , which he accordingly did by the Instigation of the Queen , for he made him Great Marshal , and Great General of Poland , which gave him Authority and Interest enough to make himself afterwards King , and her Queen ; so that this Marriage was the occasion of his Rise in the World , which he was so sensible of , that he refus'd to be divorced from her , as the Diet would have perswaded him to do after his Election .

Her Age , and Qualifications . The Queen is now about fifty four Years of Age , tho she appears not to be forty ; she goes in the French Dress , as all the Polish Ladies do ; she speaks almost naturally the ▪ Polish Tongue ; which with lier sweet Temper , refin'd Sense , and majestick Air , gain'd her such Affection with the Poles , such Influence over the King , and such Interest always in the Diet , that she manag'd all with a great deal of Prudence , and that to the advantage of her native Country France , whose Interest she generally espous'd upon most occasions during the King's Life ; which was believ'd to be the Cause that he did not carry on the War with vigour these late years against the Turks and Tartars . She maintain'd at her Court her Father Cardinal D' Arquien , and her Brother Count Maligny , who had but a very small Estate of their own . She has two Sisters , one is the Widow of the late Count Bethune , who was Ambassador from France in Poland , and afterwards dy'd in his Embassy in Sweden ; the other is the Widow of a Nobleman in Poland .

Her Address in disposing of Employments . The Queen had the Art to dispose of all the Imployments in the Kingdom for Money ; for the King , who by the Constitution ought not himself to sell any Place , gave to understand privately , that all Persons should apply themselves to her first , that she might secretly negotiate the Price of every Preferment ; which she did very industriously , and obliged them furthermore to take an Oath to espouse the Interest of one of her Children after the King's Death . The Poles never scrupled those Oaths , tho they were resolved to keep them no longer than they thought it for their Interest , which was manifested at this last Election , in which so few appeared for Prince James ; for this unlawful way of treating the Nobility , together with the King 's extream Covetousness , and Prince James's Inconstancy towards his Friends , set the Minds of the Gentry against them .

Pr. James his Character . This Prince is black , has a thin and meagre Look , and is of a low Stature , more like a Frenchman or a Spaniard than a Pole ; he is very sociable and courteous . He is now about the Age of thirty , and has made several Campagns with the King his Father , particularly that of Vienna ; and had his Conduct been answerable to his Courage , he would doubtless have made a more considerable Party : He is extreamly Liberal , which is the only good Quality he excels his Father in : He was first contracted in Marriage to the rich Heiress of the House of Radzevil in Lithuania , who was Widow of the present Elector of Brandenburg's Brother , who dy'd without Issue . An Envoy was sent to Berlin to negotiate the Marriage , which was agreed upon by the Elector's and her Consent , and the Prince himself came thither in Person with a numerous Attendance to consummate it . At the same time came to Berlin the Elector Palatin's Brother , Prince Charles of Newburg , Brother to the Empress , to see the Ceremony of the Marriage ; but this Princess taking more fancy to him than to the Prince of Poland , gave him encouragement His intended Marriage disappointed ; to make his Addresses to her ; which he did with that success , that he engag'd her so far , and so unexpectedly , that he was privately marry'd to her the night before she was to be marry'd to the Prince of Poland , so that Prince James was forc'd to return back shamefully : which the King his Father resented so highly , that he was resolv'd to have satisfaction from the Elector of Brandenburg for suffering his Son to receive so notorious an Affront at his Court ; but the Elector knowing nothing of that private Intrigue , justify'd himself , and all Animosities were at last adjusted by Prince James's marrying his Rival's Sister , But married to another . the Princess of Newburg , who was sent into Poland , and has two Daughters by him . This Account I learn'd in Poland , which was lately confirm'd to me here in Town by the Sieur Dankelman , now Envoy Extraordinary from the Elector of Brandenburg at our Court.

A Character of his two Brothers . Prince James has two Brothers , Alexander and Constantine , who were not taken notice enough of in my time , to give your Lordship a Character of them , the eldest being but eighteen , and the other sixteen . Alexander was a tall and proper young Man , of a true Polish Complexion . The Queen had more kindness for him than for Prince James , as I observ'd when he was any ways indispos'd ; she was very careful of his Health , and did not seem much concern'd for Prince James , tho he was a weak and sickly Person .

Little Respect paid to the King's Children . I was surpriz'd to see the little deference the Nobility paid to these Princes , who did not seem to take much more notice of them than of other Gentlemen , and treated them very familiarly : for they say that the King's Sons , by the Law , are no more than Gentlemen ; and that if they give them the Title of Prince or of Highness , it is more out of Courtesy to them , and Respect to the King , than out of any Obligation they lay under to do it . The People had more Esteem for Prince Alexander and Constantine , because they were born after the King's Election , than for Prince James , who was born before ; for they superstitiously imagin'd that some Royal Stamp was engraven upon them , or some Royal Tincture infus'd into their Blood , to give it a more exalted Nature . Prince James was Knight of the Golden Fleece , which made him obnoxious to the French Party . Prince Alexander and Constantine are , since my time , made ( as I am told ) Knights of the Holy Ghost , as the King himself was , which makes them suspected to the House of Austria to be of the French Faction .

The Character of the Princess . The King had one Daughter , the Princess Teresa Cunigunda , now about twenty three years of Age , who , tho she be not a compleat Beauty , yet is a very comely Lady , of a middle size ; and tho she has not the Life and Vivacity , nor the Air and Wit of the Queen her Mother , yet has she a great deal of Sense , Modesty , and all the Accomplishments becoming her Birth : She is well vers'd in the French , Italian , Latin , and the Polish Languages ; tho she seems in her Carriage and Discourse to be humble , obliging , and of an easy affable Temper , yet she is of her self high-spirited and Her Marriage . imperious . She was marry'd in my time to his Highness the present Elector of Bavaria , who twice sent thither Baron Zell , and afterward Baron Simeoni , his Envoys Extraordinary , to negotiate and conclude this Marriage : for the Duke of Bavaria having had but one Son by his deceased Electoress , the Emperour's Daughter by the Infanta of Spain , younger Sister to the late Queen of France ; and this young Prince being design'd to be King of Spain , if the present King should die without Issue , as is likely to be , the Bavarians were afraid their Country should be reduc'd into a Province , and therefore desired the Elector to marry a second time , to have more Children that might reign over them , in case the eldest Son should be call'd into Spain .

The King and Queen of Poland agreed to this Match , and gave 500000 Rix Dollars for Her Portion . her Portion , besides Jewels and other Expences in her Journey , and the third part of her Mother's personal Estate when she dies , which is reckoned at 50000 Rix Dollars more . The Ceremony of the Marraige was perform'd Ceremony of her Marriage . in the Month of August at Warsaw in the Year 1694 , with a great deal of Splendor and Magnificence . Most of the Persons of Quality and their Ladies and Children came to this Solemnity from all Parts of the Kingdom ; for there had not been a Princess of Poland marry'd for above 150 years before . The Ladies were very richly drest , and I saw at that time more Jewels in that Court , than in any other that ever I was at . The Gentlemen and Ladies , after the usual Custom in Poland , gave great Presents to the young Princess , some fine Pieces of Plate , some Watches set with Diamonds , some precious Jewels , every one making a Complement to her in a very formal manner . It was thought that the presents amounted to the value of 100000 Rix Dollars . The Hospodar of Moldavia sent her a pair of Pendants of a considerable Value . This Custom of making Presents to the Bride is not only for Kings Daughters , but for every one else according to their Quality ; and the Gentlemens Daughters do not so much reckon upon the Portion their Fathers give them , as upon their Number of Relations and Friends , who are to make them Presents ; and the Husband is as diligent to know how many Relations she has , as how much her Father will give her .

Pr. James officiates as Embassador . Upon the day of Marriage Prince James , the young Bride's Brother , took upon him , by the King and the Elector of Bavaria's Consent , the Quality of Embassador for that day , by reason that the Court would not receive ( as was secretly whilsper'd ) Embassadors from the Duke of Bavaria , as being not an absolute Prince : He went three Miles out of Town in the Morning , and about two of the Clock in the Afternoon made a most solemn Entry on Horse-back , having his Brothers Prince Alexander on his Right-hand , and Prince Constantine on his Left , preceded by a great Number of Coaches with six Horses , and a noble Cavalcade of the Polish Gentry , who went two by two .

The Ceremony continues . Thus he march'd through the City to the Palace , where he was receiv'd by the King and Queen ; and after half an hour the great Officers of the Crown , the Palatins and other Senators , with an incredible Number of Gentry , began to march from the Palace on Foot two by two , upon Scarlet Cloth spread all along to St. John's Church , being about three hundred Paces ; after them Prince James led the Bride , the French Embassador Monsieur de Polignae led the Queen , and the King came last alone with a grave majestick Countenance . The Ceremony of the Marriage was perform'd by Cardinal Radziouski the present Primate , who was the King's Relation . Afterwards they returned to the Palace where they were nobly entertain'd for four days together , with Feasts , Balls , Fire-works , and an Italian Pastoral in nature of an Opera , made upon this occasion by the Secretary of the Pope's Nuncio .

Equipage for her Journey . After the Ceremony was over , a splendid Equipage was prepar'd for the Princess's Journey from Warsaw to Brussels . The Bishop of Ploskow was named Embassador , and the Palatine of Vilna's Lady , Prince Czartoriski's Daughter , was appointed Embassadress : Monsieur Zalowski the Bishop's Brother and his Lady were likewise nam'd , besides abundance of Gentlemen , and about forty of the King's Life-guard , to attend her Electoral Highness . The Embassador represented to their Majesties , that in such a long Journey of near 1000 Miles , and in frosty Weather , it was necessary to send a Physician with the Princess for fear of any Accident or Distemper by the way : one Signior Revelli an Italian , and several other Physicians made Interest for this place ; but the Queen would by no means employ any of them , having no Opinion of their Skill . Hereupon , my Lord , I spoke to Mr. Alberti your Brother , Minister there from the Republick of Venice , who had great Interest with the King and Queen , and desir'd him to get me imploy'd in that Journey , for I longed to be out of that remote Country ( tho I had not been a twelve Month in it ) to come for England : for tho the King and Queen had a great deal of Kindness for me , and Prince James ( whom the Court Party look'd upon to be the King's Successor ) promis'd me a considerable Pension after the King's Death , yet seeing that the King , then being sixty four Years of Age , very corpulent , and labouring under several Distempers , as the Dropsy , Gout , Rheumatism , and Oppression of the Lungs , could not live long , and that Prince James was not beloved ; and besides having never had any mind to engage my self to live in any Foreign Country , I resolv'd to come out of that Kingdom . Their Majesties , not knowing my private Resolution of coming for England , did me the Honour to name me Physician to wait upon the Princess in her Journey , which I was very ready to comply with , tho to outward appearance I did not seem much desirous of it ; this , my Lord , gave me opportunity to come out of that Country sooner than I could have decently done till the King was dead ; which I must owe intirely to the Friendship and Interest of Mr. Alberti , who is a great Lover of the English Nation .

Begins her Journey . The Princess set forward on the 11 th of November following with a Retinue of about two hundred Persons , all which came to Brussels with her , besides abundance of the Nobility who waited upon her Highness to the Frontiers of Brandenburg . The Palatins of the Provinces receiv'd and entertain'd her in all the Towns she pass'd through with a great deal of Splendor and Expence : our first Reception was at Lowitz , the Cardinal Primate's Castle ; here the Princess lay one Night , and was most magnificently entertain'd . The next was at Posnan , a considerable City in the Province of Posnania , where she lay two Nights : the Palatin and the City made her a Present , entertain'd all her Retinue , and got Fire-works ready for her Reception . From thence we went to Frankfurt upon the Oder in the E. of Brandenburgh's Country , where his Electoral Highness sent his chief Officers to attend and compliment her : from thence we went to Berlin , where the Elector and Electoress came two Miles out of Town Her Reception as Berlin . with a numerous Attendance to receive her ; they took her into their own Coach , and march'd in order to the Palace , giving her with roaring of Cannons , and ringing of Bells , all Demonstrations of Respect : Here she lay two Nights ; the Court appear'd most splendid and very numerous , and the Elector got some Fire-works which represented the King and Queen of Poland , and the Elector and Electoress of Bavaria's Names ; there were Balls both Nights , and English Country-Dances , which the Electoress of Brandenburg , being descended from the Blood-Royal of England , delighted extreamly in ; it was the first time the Princess of Poland had seen any , and therefore was extreamly pleas'd . I was glad to see some of our English Gentlemen , who travell'd in Italy in my time , as Mr. Archer , Mr. Ward , Mr. Duncomb , and the late deceased Mr. Tent , made so much of at this Court , and behave themselves so handsomly at the Balls . The Princess of Poland made Presents to the Electoress of Brandenburg , and to most of the chief Officers of the Court ; and the Electoress of Brandenburg likewise made her a rich Present of a Poesie set with Diamonds , and to the rest of her chief Officers other Presents . Afterwards we set forwards on our Journey , and were entertain'd for twelve days together in the Elector's Country ; it 's usual with him to defray the Charges of all Princes while they are within the limits of the Marquisate of Brandenburg : But when the Princess of Poland went out of it into the other Territories of his Electoral Highness , she bore her own Expences ; the chief Towns notwithstanding , as Magdeburgh and Menden , entertain'd her , as did likewise the Elector of Hanover , the Bishop of Heidelsheim , and the Bishop of Munster , for we past through some Skirts of their Territories .

I must take notice to your Lordship , that passing through a part of the Elector of Hanover's Country , we receiv'd News that Count Koningsmark , a Swede , thought to have been familiar with the Princess of Hanover , the Elector's Daughter-in-law , was made away with at that Court , and never heard of since . At last we arriv'd about the latter end of December at Wesel , a fortified Town belonging to the E. of Brandenburg , upon the Borders of the Rhine , near six days Journey from Brussels ; the Elector of Bavaria with his Court came hither to receive his Princess , but the River being full of great Flakes of Ice , he could not pass it in two days : but at last being impatient to see his Bride , he ventur'd over in a little Boat with Prince Chimay , Is met by the Elector . Baron Simeoni , and two or three more of his Courtiers ; I hapned to be in the Room when he came in alone by way of the back Stairs , and saluted his Princess with all the tender Expressions of Joy and Affection ; and after having spent about half an hour with her in Compliments , he turn'd to the Embassador and to the rest of the Company , and thank'd us all for the Trouble and Fatigue of so long a Journey ; then he and the Princess with the Embassador and Embassadress withdrew into another Room , where they past about an hour and an half . In the mean time a great many other of the Elector's Retinue came in , so that the Court was very numerous at Nine of the Clock at Night ; and thus the Elector past till Ten of the Clock , then went to sup abroad , and immediately after Supper came to wait on the Princess again , and about One of the Clock in the Morning he left her and went to Bed to his Inn. He came to her the next Morning to make his Court , and to desire her Consent that the Marriage might be consummated that Night , which being accordingly done , he sent a Courier after Midnight to the King his Father-in-law , to acquaint him therewith . The next Morning there was a rich Hungarian Sute of Clothes given him to wear that day from the King of Poland , valued at 30000 Rix Dollars ; it was a long Coat of Crimson Velvet , the Button-holes set with Clasps of Massy Gold , and a Wastcoat of Cloth of Gold set with Diamond Buttons , and a Girdle of fine Turky Leather wrought with Gold , with massy Gold Clasps likewise set with Jewels , a Scimiter with the Handle richly adorn'd with Diamonds and Rubies , and an Emerald Ring of great Value , with a rich Zibelin Muff. In the Afternoon we all Proceeds on her Journey . past the River , and next day the Baggage followed : all the Coaches , the King's Guards , and most of the Retinue return'd back into Poland ; for by the Articles of Marriage no body was to stay with her except two Pages , two Women , and a she Dwarf . The Elector's Guards and Coaches were on the other side of the River to receive the Princess : She went through Antwerp to Mecklin , and from thence to Brussels , where we arriv'd , after two Months Journey , on the 12 th of January . I need not acquaint your Lordship with all the Preparations made here by his Highness for the Reception of his Electoress , nor of the Presents he gave to her Retinue , nor the Opera's and Comedies purposely made for the Solemnity of her Marriage ; I will only say , that I never saw a genteeler Court , better Order , more Formalities , more variety of Dresses , nor the Punctilio's of Honour and Courtesy more strictly observ'd . There were great Rejoicings all the first Week , until the Court receiv'd the unwelcome News of the Death of our late Queen Mary . Sometime afterwards , having left the Care of the Princess's Health to Monsieur Pistorini the Elector's Physician , I took my Leave of her Highness , and went for Holland , from whence I arriv'd at London in the Month of February , in the Year 1694/5.

The King's Sister . The King of Poland had no near Relations except one Sister , who was married to that Duke Radzivil , who writ in Latin his Travels into the Holy Land , and describes the Pyramids of Egypt ; he has been dead several Years , and his Dutchess died at Warsaw in my time . What small Reputation I got in that Country in the Practice of Physick was by her Death ; for when I arriv'd at Warsaw , the A Consultation of Physicians . King made me consult with all the Physicians of the Town , which were about ten , concerning her Disease . His Majesty's first Physician was Dr. Jonas an Italian and professed Jew ; for your Lordship must understand , that in Poland , particularly at Court , Religion is no Objection against any Person , especially a Physician , since the King at his Coronation promises to protect four Religions , the Roman , which he must seem to be of himself , the Protestant , the Greek , and that of the Jews . I examined the Princess's Disease , and found it was an Ague fomented by an Abscess in the Liver , which made her vomit up all that she took ; I thought her Case very desperate , tho her ordinary Physicians made no account of it , thinking it was only an Ague which the constant use of Jesuits Pouder would infallibly cure . I discover'd they were not acquainted with the inward Cause of her Disease , being not vers'd in Anatomy ; wherefore I desir'd that most of the Learned Gentlemen at Court would be present to hear their Reasons and mine . Dr. Jonas , who spoke first , gave his Opinion that there was no fear ; and that she should persist only in the use of the Bark , with which they had cram'd her for three Months before ; all the rest follow'd his Opinion . I spoke last , and summ'd up all their Arguments , to compare them with her Distemper , and declar'd against their Method , and intimated that I believ'd she could not live long let them change their Method ever so much for the better . This alarm'd the whole Court in a quarter of an hour . The Physicians assur'd the contrary , and urged that I was a Stranger to the Climate , and to the Princess's Constitution and Disease ; and they promised in a little time , tho some of them began to be dissident , to set her upon her Legs again : notwithstanding she grew worse and worse every day , and died in a Month's time in the 62 d Year of her Age. The Queen order'd her to be open'd , and three Bishops were present , but none of the Physicians would come but my self ; we found not only an Abscess in her Liver , but likewise a great many square Stones like Dice in her Gall , Bladder , and other Stones in one of her Kidnies , besides a great deal of Gravel in her Liver , which grated and crumbled its whole Substance into putrid Matter .

Her Issue . This Princess left only a Son and a Daughter : Duke Radzivil her Son married a Relation of Prince Sapieha ; and her Daughter was married to Prince Lubomirski . Duke Radzivil told me that he travell'd here in England when King James II. was Crown'd , and that the King his Uncle sent him the Character of Envoy to compliment him upon his Accession to the Throne : He us'd to admire the Government of England , and to say that it was the best in Europe , except that of his own Country ; and the chief Reason he gave me why he preferr'd the Constitution of Poland , was , that the King of England had a Power of turning People out of Employments , and the common People had the Benefit of the Law , and could buy Estates as well as the greatest Noble-man . This Prince shew'd me an old Roman Scimiter which his Father brought from Jerusalem , and told me it was that with which St. Peter cut off Malcus's Ear : which a great many had either Faith or Superstition enough to believe , and paid it a great deal of Respect .

The year after I came into England , the King of Poland's Symptoms encreasing more and more , the Embassador Monsieur Zalowski , Bishop of Ploskow , sent me from Warsaw to London the following Letter , desiring Advice concerning his Majesty's Distemper , which was very uncommon and extraordinary .

A Monsieur le Docteur Connor à Londres . Varsovie 2 Juin 1696. Monsieur ,

EN Attendant que Je vous Envoye les Memoires que vous Souhaitez pour l' Histoire de Pologne & de nôtre Roy , qui requierent quêque loisir , que Je n'ay pas encore pû prendre , comme Je tacheray de faire le plutôt qu'il me serà possible , Vous obligeriez beaucoup sa Majesté si sur l' Information , que vous verrez au bas de cette Lettre touchant l' Etat de sa Santé , Vous vouliez bien prendre la peine d'en donner vos Avis , & Conseils , & d'en prendre aussi des plus habiles Gens de la Profession , dont votre Royaume est si fertile ; Vous asseurant que vous en aurez du Merite auprez de leurs Majestez , & que vous travaillerez à votre propre Gloire , que Je Soûhaiteray de voir par là augmentée , étant

Monsieur , Votre tres-humble Serviteur , E. de Ploskow .

Information de l'Etat de la Santé du Roy de Pologne .

SA Majesté à les pies , les jambes , & les cuisses , même la Region Inferieure du bas ventre tumifiées considerablement depuis quêque tems , que ces Tumeurs sont augmenteezde jour en jour depuis cette Eté quelles avoient commencé à paroitre , quoique l'on appliquât les plus efficaces remedes interieurs & exterieurs pour en empecber le Progrez , & pour les dissiper . Lors qu'on presse du doit ces Tumeurs , il ne reste aucun vestige du doit ; Carces Tumeurs ont la dureté du Fer & la pesanteur du Plomb : Quand sa Majesté marche elle croit avoir un poid pesant attaché à ses jambes , la dureté de ces Tumeurs ne peut étre amollie , cependant lors qu'on frotte avec un linge chaûd les parties embarrassées & affligées , elles semblent d'abord être Degagées & Soûlagées . Mais peu apres elles retournent à leur premier Etat : La Couleur de ces Parties tumiflées n'est point Pale , mais Pourprée tirant vers le rouge .

English'd thus .

Warsaw the 2d of June 1696. SIR ,

I Will send you as soon as possible the Memoirs you desire for the History of Poland and of our King , which require more leisure than I could have hitherto had . In the mean time you would mightily oblige his Majesty , if upon the Information you will find at the bottom of this Letter concerning the State of his Health , you would please to give your Opinion and Advice thereupon , and likewise consult with the Ablest of your Profession , who are so very numerous in your Kingdom , about it . I assure you , you will greatly gain their Majesties Esteem thereby , and advance your own Reputation , which I wish encreas'd by these means . Being ,

SIR , Your most humble Servant , E. Ploskow .

An Account of the State of Health of the King of Poland .

HIS Majesty's Feet , Legs , and Thighs , as likewise the lower Part of his Belly , have been considerably swell'd for a good while . These Swellings have daily encreas'd since they began this Summer , notwithstanding the most effectual Remedies , both Inward and Outward , which have been made use of to prevent their Progress , and to discuss them . When these Tumors are press'd with one's Finger , they do not pit , for they are almost as hard as Iron , and as heavy as Lead . When his Majesty walks , he imagins he has a great Weight ty'd to his Legs . The hardness of these Tumours cannot be softned : Nevertheless , when the swoln Parts are rubb'd a little with a hot Cloth , they seem immediately to be abated and eas'd ; but soon after they return to their former condition . The Colour of the Swellings is not pale , but reddish , something enclining to Purple .

The King's Death . A Week after I receiv'd this Letter , news came that this Prince was dead , as I could not but reasonably expect he would be , labouring under so rare and dangerous a Disease , being a Dropsy turn'd into a Schirrus , or into a hard and insensible Tumor . Cases of this nature , my Lord , are very seldom seen . I have spoke lately with some old Practitioners in Physick that had never met with any ; for my part , I have never observ'd any Disease like it ; and I was at first surpriz'd that the King's Legs , that us'd to pit an Inch deep when I was at his Court , should become so very hard and so heavy afterwards ; but considering that in our Mass of Blood there is , even naturally , a great deal of earthy Parts or Dregs , and that these Lees may , by way of Sediment , fall into the Legs , and that their Weight and Quantity can hinder them from ascending to the Heart with the circulating Fluids , I rather admir'd why Cases of this nature do not more frequently happen , particularly in old and Plethoric People , as the King was . These hard Swellings of his Legs hinder'd the Blood to circulate downwards , and so drove up all the Humours to the Head ; which oppressing and overflowing the Brain , caus'd an Apoplexy , of which he died the 17th of June , fifteen days after the date of my Letter , in the Year 1696 , in the sixty sixth Year of his Age , and the 22d of his Reign . He was the oldest King then in Christendom . He kept his Subjects in great Awe , and the greatest Noblemen paid him all the Respect imaginable ; they never us'd at Court to eat with him at his Table . He din'd always in Publick , and the Great Men waited upon him , serv'd him with drink , and none of his Subjects ever cover'd themselves in his Presence . And I admir'd to see the Persons that abus'd him in the Parliament-house , and spoke to him with all freedom when he sat on the Throne , pay him so great a Submission and Respect every-where else . But the Liberty of a Member of that Parliament is such , that he can speak what he thinks , and think what he pleases , without any Fear of the King .

The Interregnum . After the King's Death , Cardinal Radziouski , Archbishop of Gnesna , and Primate of the Kingdom , took the Administration of the Government , as is usual , upon him , and notify'd the King's Death to foreign Princes , and to all the Governours of the Provinces , and advis'd with the Senators that were then at Warsaw of the proper Method and fit Time to ohoose a new King . They fix'd upon the 29th of August 1696 , for the Convocation of the Grand Diet ; but there appearing several Competitors , which made powerful Factions , it was thought necessary to take more time to appease the Dissensions of the Nobility . Wherefore the Overture of the Diet was deferr'd to the 15th of May 1697. They chose the Sieur Belinski for their Speaker , whom they call their Marshal . The chief Competitors were at first Competitors for the Crown . Prince James of Poland , and his Brother Prince Alexander ; the Prince of Conti ; Don Livio Odeschalchi , and Prince Lewis of Baden : but at last the Elector of Saxony unexpectedly came to the Frontiers of Poland with 8000 Men , and declar'd himself Candidate , having a twelve-month before privately abjur'd his Religion to qualify himself for this Crown , which procur'd him the Interest of the Pope and Clergy . So that at length no considerable Party appear'd but for him , the Prince of Conti , and Prince James . The Cardinal Primate , with a great Number of the Palatins , supported with all their Interest the Prince of Conti , the French having for several years before , as I observ'd when I was in that Kingdom , given a great Character of his Merit and Valour , which made the King of France believe that he would undoubtedly carry that Crown against all Opposers ; as it is probable he would have done , had he been in Person as near the Place of Election as the Elector of Saxony was : For on the 26th of June , being the day of Election , the Diet drew out into the Field , and he had that day more Votes than either the Elector of Saxony or Prince James ; which the Primate observing , went with his Party , and immediately proclaim'd him King : but the two other Parties knowing this could not be legally done without the universal Consent of the Diet , protested against it as Illegal ; and Prince James perceiving his Party to be the weakest , and having always been in the Interest of the House of Austria , as being marry'd to the Empress and Queen of Spain's Sister , resign'd all his Interest to the Elector of Saxony , who was likewise supported by the Emperour . These two Parties being thus united into one , were more numerous than that of the Prince of Conti : Wherefore coming next day into the field , they got the Bishop of Cujavia , after the Primate had refus'd it , to proclaim

Frederic Augustus . 1697. FREDERIC AUGUSTUS , Elector of Saxony , King of Poland , and sent Embassadors to acquaint him therewith , and to desire him to accept of the Crown . All this while the Primate and Prince of Conti's Party stood firm to the first Election , and dispatch'd Couriers into France to desire that Prince to come with all speed into Poland . The Generals of the Army were divided . Count Jablonowski , Great General of the Kingdom , declar'd for the Elector of Saxony ; Prince Sapieha , Great General of Lithuania , seem'd to favour the Prince of Conti : but the Governour of Cracow being for the Elector of Saxony , invited him and his Army to take possession of that capital City , where he was crown'd the 15th of September Crown'd K. of Poland . following , which did extreamly facilitate the good Success he has since had in that Kingdom . For tho the Primate and many other considerable Persons did insist on the pretended Legality of their Election ; tho the Prince of Conti himself came in Person to Dantzic with a Fleet , vast Sums of Money , and some disciplin'd Troops ; tho the French Embassador Monsieur de Polignac had manag'd a good part of the Army , and a great many of the Senators , with great Art and Policy ; tho the Turks and Tartars threatned an Invasion to support his Election ; and tho the Hungarians made an Insurrection in their Country , to divert the Saxon Forces : yet the Poles seeing the Elector of Saxony was actually Crown'd ; that he was in possession of the Metropolis Cracow , the strongest Town in Poland ; that 8000 of his disciplin'd Troops were in the Kingdom ; that the major part of the Army had declar'd for him , and that the Czar of Muscovy threatned an Invasion if they persisted to support the Prince of Conti ; they thought it more advisable to quit his Interest than to give occasion for a Civil War : for I have often heard ▪ them say , That Kings were easy enough to be had without shedding Blood for any ; and that they were easily depos'd if they usurp'd any greater Authority than the Laws allow'd . And therefore they think it more prudent , after having sufficiently empty'd the Candidates Pockets , to declare for the first of them that joins his Party , and appears in Arms , since he is deem'd qualify'd , than to expose their Country to ruin and devastation , by adhering to an illegal Election , of which the success is always doubtful : for by their Constitution no Election can be really lawful , nor any Law can be legally made without the universal Consent of the Lords and Commons of both States , Poland and Lithuania , assembl'd in Parliament .

The Prince of Conti having full Intelligence of the Posture of Affairs in Poland , did not think it politick to conside any longer in the Promises of the Great Men , who in that Country are naturally sickle , and biass'd more to their own Interest than any Inclination they have to serve any Prince ; for they have no other Notion of Princes than of Tools to raise their own Fortune by . Wherefore this Prince foreseeing no probability of success , the Town of Dantzic having declar'd for the Elector of Saxony , he thought it more prudent timely to quit his Pretensions by sailing back into France , than to expose his Reputation by being forc'd to retire when the New King's Authority was more confirm'd , as it is look'd upon to be at present .

King Frederick Augustus the IId , being thus left in sole Possession of the Kingdom , is likely to restore the decaying State thereof ; for having large hereditary Dominions of his own , out of which he can have both Men and Money , and being likewise naturally animated with a martial Spirit , and moreover King over a most Warlike Nation , which is at present in league against the Infidels with the Emperour , Muscovites , Pope and Venetians : He has opportunity sufficient to enlarge that Kingdom , and extend it to its antient Bounds the Euxine Sea , by retaking Caminiec and the Vkrain .

I may here take notice that this is the first time the Poles have elected a German Prince , and likewise the first that they have excluded their King's Son ; for from the Year 550 , when this Monarchy began , to this present Election , the King's Children have been always chosen , and the Crown , tho elective , has been in the same Family successively for above eight hundred Years . But hereafter it is likely to prove otherwise , for the Gentry of Poland are so jealous of their own Kings , and so covetous to be enrich'd by foreign Princes , that probably henceforward they will choose no Native . Besides , the Pope will undoubtedly always use his utmost Authority and Interest in that Kingdom to get Protestant Princes elected . For when I was formerly at Rome , I heard the Politicians say , that the best method to make the Protestant Princes of the North Roman Catholicks , was to elect them successively to the Crown of Poland . So that if the Pope sees that the present King of Poland's Children are confirm'd in the Doctrines of the Church of Rome , he will doubtless after his Death make the same Endeavours to advance to that Throne either the King of Sweden , the Elector of Brandenburg , or the Elector of Hanover , as he has done in favour of the Elector of Saxony ; who has been elected to the Crown of Poland , not so much by the Power of his Wealth and Credit in the Kingdom , as by the Influence of the Clergy , privately instigated by the Authority of the Pope . This I gather from a Letter sent me last Summer from Warsaw by my Friend Baron Scarlati , Envoy Extraordinary at that Court from the Elector of Bavaria .

Thus , my Lord , I have given you as large an Account of John the IIId's Life , and of what pass'd remarkable at Warsaw in my time , as we need perhaps know of so remote a Country , or I could my self learn in so short a time as I had the honour to reside at that Prince's Court ; where I was so much taken up in the Practice of Physick , that I had neither Opportunity nor Time to make all the Political Remarks , which another perhaps that had nothing else to do but to converse with Courtiers and Ladies , might have leisurely done .

I cannot therefore pretend to give ( as is usual ) a Character of the King's Favourites , nor of other Great Men about him , nor to acquaint your Lordship with the different Cabals and private Intrigues of that numerous Court . That were a Subject fitter for a Statesman than for me to write of , my Genius and Profession prompting me only to make Observations in Physick , and not in State-Affairs . I hope therefore your Lordship will excuse the deficiency of this Letter , when you consider it was writ by a Physician , and one who values himself only upon it in being with all Respect ,

My LORD , Your Lordship 's most obedient humble Servant , B. C.

LETTER V. To the Right Honourable CHARLES Lord Townsend .

Of the Extent and Products of Poland ; together with a Description of the chief Towns and Provinces of the Kingdom .

My LORD ;

I Know your natural Sagacity , improv'd so much by your Travels , and constant Application to Sciences and Politicks , is no less inquisitive after the Extent and Products of Countries , than after their Maxims of State and Forms of Government : And this I discover'd in your Lordship , as well when I met you some years ago in Holland , as since your return to England ; and because you then discours'd me often about my Travels into Poland , I thought a Geographical Description of that Country might not be unacceptable to you . I must confess I were not long enough in that Kingdom to survey it exactly , therefore have taken pains to learn not only from the Natives themselves , but also from their correctest Authors , an Account of such Parts of that Kingdom which I could not visit my self .

I must first take notice to your Lordship , that the King of Poland's Dominions are divided into two different States , which are the Kingdom of Poland , and the Great Dutchy of Lithuania . The Constitutions , Language , Customs and Genius of both which Nations are as different as those of England and Scotland , except that one Parliament or Diet serves both , which must nevertheless have one Session in Lithuania to two in Poland , and the Senators and Deputies of each Nation must meet together , as well in the Great Dutchy , as in the Kingdom ; for no Law can be legally made without the mutual Consent of both . Poland therefore being a distinct Nation of it self , I will here , as I have promis'd , present your Lordship with a short Description of it alone .

My Lord ;

The Antient Extent of Poland . POLAND , when first founded by Lechus in the Year 550 , like all other Nations in their minority , was but a small Tract of Land , in respect of what it afterwards grew to be : for at first it contain'd only High and Low Poland with Silesia ; but in process of time , either through Marriages or Conquests , it became the largest and most powerful Kingdom in Europe , and rais'd as well the Envy as Jealousy of its Neighbours .

It s Increase by Conquests : The first Acquisition to this Crown was the Province of Pomerania , conquer'd by Lechus , by his having kill'd Regulus its Prince . Boleslaus Chrobry likewise made Bohemia , Russia , Moravia and Prussia Tributary : But Casimir II. entirely conquer'd all Prussia in the Year 1183 , and Casimir the Great subdu'd all Russia in the Year 1338 , when Maslaus the Duke of Masovia also submitted to the Polish Crown .

Some time after , Valachia and Moldavia were united to Poland by Conquest ; and the Great Dutchy of Lithuania added by Jagello's Marriage with Hedwigis Queen of Poland . The large and fertile Province of Livonia was conquer'd about the Year 1500 ; and afterwards the Poles extended their Conquests towards Moscovy , when they took the Great Dutchies of Smolensko , Severia and Czernicovia , and in Vladislaus the VIIth's time conquer'd all that Country . They in like manner enlarg'd their Dominions towards the Black Sea , for they made themselves Masters of all Vkraina .

By Policy . Over and above these vast Conquests , the Poles likewise grew very considerable by electing several potent Neighbours for their Kings , whereby they added to their own Strength that of Bohemia , Hungary , Sweden , and Transylvania , as they have likewise at this juncture that of the Electorate of Saxony . In short , the Poles , in process of time , grew so exorbitantly Powerful , from the XIIIth , to the middle of the XVIIth Century , having in their possession all the Lands between Austria , Moscovy , and the Baltic and Euxine Seas , that they gave their Neighbours the Turks , Tartars , Muscovites , Swedes and Germans , just reason to grow jealous of them : Whereupon these several Potentates , at different times , made most bloody Wars upon them , till by degrees they had brought their Territories to a narrower Compass , and made themselves Masters of the greater part of them . For the Emperour got from them the several Countries of Hungary , Bohemia , Transylvania , Silesia , and Moravia . Valachia and Moldavia now chuse Hospodars or Governours of their own , tho they are nevertheless Tributary to the Turk . The Turks and Tartars are Masters of Podolia , and the best part of Vkraina , which they over-run in King Michael Korybuth's time ; and the Muscovites conquer'd the other part of it , Kiovia , as likewise all the vast Dutchies of Severia , Smolensko and Czernicovia . The King of Sweden also is now in possession of all Livonia , except the Dutchy of Curland , which is left still Tributary to Poland . Ducal Prussia is entirely in the Elector of Brandenburg's hands , of which he is of late an Independent Soveraign . Pomerania is now possess'd by the Swedes and Germans between them ; and Dantzic is in the Nature of a little Republic or Hans-Town , yet under the Protection of Poland .

Present Extent . Thus your Lordship may observe , that the neighbouring Princes have clip'd so close the Skirts of this vast Empire , that they have reduc'd it to one Third of what it has heretofore been . Yet notwithstanding all these Losses , it is still reckon'd to the full as large as the Kingdom of France ; but its Frontiers towards Tartary are altogether desolate , most of the Inhabitants having been carry'd away into Captivity , either by the Turks or Tartars .

To give your Lordship a just Account of the present Extent of Poland , I must divide it into its several remaining Provinces , which are but Eight , Viz.

Little & Great Poland . Regal Prussia . Russia . Masovia . Samogitia . Volhynia & Podlachia .

But first a word or two of the Country in general .

Its Bounds . Poland , together with the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , is now bounded on the North by Moscovy , Livonia , and the Baltic Sea ; On the South by Moldavia , Transylvania , and Hungary ; On the East by Vkraina , which belongs to the Turks , and the Dutchies of Smolensko , Severia , Czernicovia , and Kiovia , which are now in possession of the Muscovites ; and on the West by Pomerania , Brandenburg , Bohemia , and Silesia . It extends it self from South to North , that is , from the Carpathian Mountains to the Gulph of Riga , about 200 Leagues , from the 45 Degree 36 Minutes , to the 55 Degree 29 Minutes of Latitude ; and from East to West , that is , from Smoleusko and the Vkraine , to the Frontiers of Pomerania , Bohemia , and Silesia , above 240.

Soil . It s Soil , for the most part , is Champain , tho towards the Borders of Hungary very mountainous and woody ; yet as it declines from thence , it generally grows more fruitful . There is only one great Mountain in the middle of Lesser Poland , call'd Mons Calvus , The Bald Mountain , tho it has a Monastery on the top of it , surnam'd the Holy Cross , and dedicated to our Saviour . What others you shall meet with may be rather term'd little Hills than Mountains . The Eastern Part of this Kingdom is full of Forests , Woods , Marshes , Lakes and Rivers which afford a delightful Vista to the open Country .

Its Products . Heretofore Poland is said to have been almost all Woods ; but now , being cultivated by the Industry of its Inhabitants , it produces every-where all kinds of Fruits , Grains , and Herbs : Nay , it wants for neither Fowl nor Fish ; and moreover , abounds with all sorts of tame and wild Beasts . There are also Vines in many Places , whose Grapes are not ungrateful to the Palat , especially if the Summer and Autumn are never so little favourable ; but the Wine is generally very sharp when it has once been drawn off . In the Mountains are to be found Mines of Silver , Copper , Lead , and Iron , with divers other kinds of Minerals ; as also Salt , which is commonly taken out in huge Masses , like Stones out of a Quarry . The Western part of this Kingdom produces a great deal of Corn , which is transported in considerable Quantities into foreign Countries ; and besides , it abounds with Honey , Wax , Hemp , and Linen for Sails : All which are carry'd to Dantzic , and from thence transported .

Number of Towns and Villages . The greatest Part of the Towns , and all the Villages of this Kingdom , are of Timber and Thatch'd , the Gentlemens Houses in the Country being also of the same Make. The whole Number of Cities , Towns , Boroughs and Villages in Poland amounts to near a hundred and seventy thousand , whereof there are not much above twenty wall'd . There are two sorts of Cities in this Kingdom ; the First belong to the Republick , of which the King names the Governours and other Officers ; and the Second are under the Dominion of particular Seigneurs by hereditary Succession , of which there can be no other Starostas but their own peculiar Lords .

Climate . The Air of this Country is sutable to the Climate , and sometimes so exceeding cold , that Water freezes ere it falls to the ground . And Lakes and Rivers are so frozen up , that Coaches and loaded Carts pass over them for five or six Months together , even to the end of March.

Rivers , The most remarkable Rivers of this Country are , The Weissel or Vistula . The Wart or Varta . The Nieper or Boristbenes . The Niester or Tyra . The Dwina or Duna . The Bog or Bobus . The Bug or Bugus . The Niemen or Nemenus .

Their several Courses . The Weissel or Vistula takes its rise in the Dutchy of Teschen in Silesia , out of Mount Carpathus ( now Crapack ) and runs by the several Cities and Towns of Oswieczin , Cracow , Sendomir , Casimir , Lublin , Warsaw , Plocskow , Vladislaw , Thorn , Culm , Bromberg , Grandentz , Newenburg , Elbing , Marienburg , and Dantzic . This River antiently separated Sarmatia Europea from Germany , and having continu'd its Course for above a hundred Polish Miles , divides it self into two Streams , emptying one into the Bay of Frisch-Haff , and the other into the Baltic Sea , vulgarly call'd De Oost Zee .

The Wart or Varta arises in Lesser Poland ; and after having water'd Siradia , Kalisch , Posnan , Olstin , &c. falls into the Oder , a River of Silesia .

The Nieper or Boristhenes , waters Smolensko , traverses part of Lithuania , runs through Kiow or Kiovia , crosses the Vkraine , and at length rolls into the Black Sea near Ockzakow .

The Niester rises near the Lake of Leopol ; and having run by Halitz , Caminiec , &c. discharges it self in like manner into the Black or Euxine Sea near Bialogrod .

The Duna , or Dwina , springs near Biata in Moscovy ; when having pass'd by Witebsko , Polocz , Dunenburg , Kokenhauz , &c. with a Course of 130 Leagues , it at last throws it self into the Gulph of Riga in Livonia .

The Bog , or Bobus , takes its Origin from a Lake in the Frontiers of Podolia ; and having pass'd by Constantinow , Bar , and Braclaw , it falls into the Nieper near Ockzakow .

The Bug springs in Red - Russia , near Olesko , or Zborow ; and having run by the several Places of Glituani , Beltz , Sokal , Vlodzimierz , Chelm , Bresty , and Warsaw , falls into the Weissel by Wischegrod .

The Niemen , or Nemenus , arises near Slonim , or rather Nessivicz , in the Palatinate of Novogrodec , and waters the Sides of Novogrodec , Bielcz , Grodna , Troki , Vilna , and after runs into the Baltic near Tylsa .

Its Lakes . In Lower or Greater Poland , Cujavia , and the Territory of Lublin , there are several considerable Lakes , replenish'd with all sorts of fresh Fish . The chief of these Lakes is Goplo , five Miles long , and half a Mile broad . Next there is Biale , otherwise nam'd The White Lake ; which might be so call'd by an Antiphrasis , because in the Months of April and May it dyes Skins with a sort of swarthy Tincture .

To proceed according to my Division of this Country , in which I have follow'd Starovolscius , I must begin with the first Province of this Kingdom , which is

I. PROVINCE . Great or Low Poland , bounded on the North by Pomerania and Prussia , on the South by Upper or Lesser Poland , on the East by Masovia , and towards the West by Silesia , and the Marquisate of Brandenburg . It is call'd Great Poland , because Lechus , the Founder of this Kingdom , first settled there , and divided it into two Parts : Viz. It s Division .

1. Greater Poland , properly so call'd ; and 2. Cujavia .

Both which contain seven Palatinates ; Viz. The Palatinates of Posnania , to which belongs the Territory of Wschow . Kalisch . Siradia , to which belongs the Territory of Vielunia . Rava . Lanschet . Bresty , and Inowlocz .

Of these , the two last only belong to Cujavia .

The chief of all these seven Palatinates is

I. Palatinate . Posnania , in which are these several Cities and Towns ; Viz.

Posnan Bishoprick . Palatinate , and Castellany . Gnesna Archbishoprick , and Castellany . Koscien . Vskow . Sremsk . Miedzyrzeeze . Nacum . Curnic . Slupeia . Pysdra . Kcina . Conin . Premecz , and Ragozno .

Cities and Towns of Posnan . The capital City of all which is

Posnan , call'd by the Germans Posen , situate upon the River Varta in the 39th Degree of Longitude , and 52 of Latitude . It is 7 Miles distant from Gnesna to the West , 20 German Miles from Vratislaw to the North , and 50 from Cracow to the South . It lies in the midst of several little Hills environ'd with a strong double Wall , and a very deep Ditch . The City it self , it must be confess'd , it but small , yet nevertheless exceeding beautiful and well-built , its Edifices being for the most part of Free-stone . Among the publick Structures , the most considerable is the Castle rais'd upon a small Eminence between the Rivers Varta and Prosna . It is generally provided with all sorts of Ammunition , and wants for neither Strength nor Beauty . The rest of the Publick Edifices may justly claim the like Character , tho the most stately lie on the other side the River Varta in the Suburbs , which are very large . Here is the Cathedral Church with a College of Prebends , and the Bishop's Palace situate among the Marshes . This Pile of Building is commonly call'd Valisovia , and built so strong , that like the Town , it is able to withstand a Siege . John Lubranscius , a Bishop of this See , founded here a College to be visited by that of Cracow , and which was afterwards very much augmented and beautify'd by Adam Conarius his Successor , and farther enrich'd by one Rosrasevius with several noble Gifts : So that now the Jesuits have a College in the City , where Learning is greatly encourag'd . Yet this also in the Suburbs does not want for noble Youth , who daily flock thither to be instructed by the Lectures of Mathematicks and Law . These Suburbs are all surrounded by a Morass and a great Lake . They are frequently laid under water by the overflowing of the Varta , insomuch that sometimes with the neighbouring Villages for several Miles together , the tops of the Houses are only to be seen . This Inundation likewise often extends to the Town it self , notwithstanding its high Walls , in a manner that Boats have been known to swim about the Streets : But this lasts not long , for the Waters commonly retire in two or three days at farthest . There are three very famous Fairs kept in this City , whither the Germans , both Traders and Gentry , come in great Numbers . The first of these is kept about the beginning of Lent , and lasts a Month. The second at Michaelmas , and continues five Weeks ; and the last at Midsummer , which is for the same time .

The Inhabitants of this City are generally Roman Catholicks , tho vast Numbers of Jews live also among them . The Government is executed by a Starosta , chosen yearly out of the Schipins , or Aldermen , who , as long as this Office lasts , enjoys also the Title of General of Great POLAND .

Gnesna . Seven Miles from hence lies Gnesna , situate among Bogs and Hills , and call'd also by the Germans Gnicsen . It is an Archbishop's See , and gives Title to the Primate of all Poland . It is distant three Polish Miles from the River Varta to the North , seven from Kalisch to the South , as many from Posnan to the East , and about thirteen from Thorn , thirty from Dantzic , and thirty three from Warsaw to the North-west . It was formerly Metropolis of the whole Kingdom , having been built by Lechus , the first Founder thereof , and so nam'd from an Eagle's Nest , as is to be seen in the Life of that King .

This City was almost consum'd by Fire in the Year 1613. and is at present chiefly considerable for being the usual Residence of the Arch-bishop and Primate of Poland , who yet enjoys very great Privileges . In the Cathedral is reposited a great quantity of inestimable Treasure , most of which is owing to the Tomb of St. Adalbert raised in the middle of the Church , cas'd about with Silver by Sigis●●nund III. and to the Gifts of Henry F●●rleius , late Arch-bishop of that See , who , among other Rarities , gave his own Mitre , valued at 24000 Polish Gilders , or near 2000 l. Sterling . The Gates opening to this Church are all of Corinthian Brass curiously wrought , which were first taken from the Monastery of Corsuna in Taurica Chersonesus , afterwards removed to Kiow , and thence brought hither by order of Boleslaus II. Here are several Fairs kept , the chief whereof is that on the Feast of St. Adalbert .

Koscien . Koscien , a Town built in a Plain among Marshes , and defended with a double Wall and a broad and deep Ditch : It is about seven Miles from Posnan .

Uskow . Vskow , a wall'd Town situate in a Plain likewise , and about eleven Miles from Posnan .

Sremsk , &c. Sremsk , Premeez and Ragozno , three Timber built Towns belonging to the Jurisdiction of Posnan .

Miedzyrzecze . Miedzyrzecze , a Town built for the most part with Wood in a Plain amongst Rivulets and Marshes , and which also its Name imports : It is situate upon the ●●onfiries of Silesia and Pomerania , and has a strong Castle fortified both by Art and Nature , and , which 't is commonly conjectur'd , could hardly be taken unless it were starv'd . This several German Princes have experienc'd at their Costs , who after a long and fruitless Siege of it , have at length been forc'd to return home again re infectâ . It is about 15 Miles from Posnan .

Slupcza . Slupcza , a Town upon the Wart with a very strong Wall , and other sutable Fortifications .

Pysdra . Pysdra , a Wall'd Town upon the Wart likewise , built in a Plain among Woods , and nine Miles from Kalisch .

The other Towns of this Palatinate are some of them wall'd , and chiefly built with Wood , except only the publick Edifices , such as Castles , Towns , Churches , Monasteries , Abbies , &c. which are all either Stone or Brick .

Senators of Posnania . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Arch-bishop of Gnesna , The Bishop Palatine and Castellan of Posnania . The Castellans of Sremsk , Miedzyrzecze , Premecz , Ragozno , Kriven , and Zandoc .

There are moreover several other Officers in this Palatinate , as well Civil as Military . The Starostas or Governours of Cities have some of them Jurisdiction , and some none , as it is likewise all the Kingdom over .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate are an Eagle expanded Argent in a Field Gules .

II. Palatinate . The second Palatinate of Great Poland , is that of

Kalisch , in which are these Cities and Towns ,

Kalisch Metropolis , and Castellany , Kolo , Land , Naklo , Odolanovia , Chocia , Stave , Cosmin , Dohra , Grabow , Opatovec , and Plesovia .

Cities and Towns of Kalisch . The Chief City of all which is

Kalisch , built among Marshes upon the River Prosna , and fortified only with a Brick-Wall , and some low Towers . It has in it some Religious Houses , and a very magnificent College for Jesuits , founded by Stanislaw Karncovius , Arch-bishop of Gnesna . Here are the Ruins of a strong Castle remaining , which had formerly been destroy'd by the Teutonick Knights .

Kolo . Kolo , a Timber-built Town , wall'd with Mud and Dirt : At certain times it is encompass'd and wash'd by the River Wart , near which it is built . It is about eight Miles from Kalisch .

Land . Land , a Town upon the Wart , about four Miles from Gnesna .

Naklo . Naklo , a Timber'd Town near the Lake Goplo , with a wall'd Castle situate among the Marshes .

Odolanovia . Odolanovia , a Town with a Castle , built likewise among the Marshes .

Chocia . Chocia , in which Andrew Lipski , Bishop of Cracow , founded a Collegiate Church with vast Expence .

The other Towns of this Palatinate are not very considerable , and therefore are omitted .

Senators of Kalisch . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Kalisch , The Castellans of Land , Naklo , and Kamin .

The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate , It s Arms. are a Buffaloes Head eras'd , Sables , with a Crown between his Horns , all in a checky Field , Argent and Gules .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of Great Poland is that of

Siradia , situate along the River Varta , or Wart , being divided into four Districts , viz. The Districts of Siradia , Schadkow , Radomsko , and Petricovia .

In all which are the several Cities and Towns of Siradia Cap. Rosprza , Spicemir , Petricovia , Konarzew , Wart , Lask , Vidavia , and Pabianice .

The Cities and Towns of Siradia . The chief City of all which is Siradia , situate in a Plain , and fortified with a strong Wall , with a Castle built on the Wart . Subject to the Jurisdiction of this City are the following Cities and Towns .

Rosprza . Rosprza , a Timber'd Town seated amongst the Marshes .

Spicimir . Spicimir , a Town built likewise with Wood.

Petricovia . Petricovia , a Wall'd City by no means inconsiderable , situate among Rivulets and Bogs . Once a Year one of the great Tribunals of the Kingdom is kept in the Suburbs of this City in one of the King's Palaces . Not far off there is another Palace of the King 's call'd Byki of a regular Structure , whither his Majesty with his Court sometimes retires for his Pleasure at the time of the meeting of the Tribuaal . There are several other Eminent Edifices built about this City , belonging to Bishops and other Great Men , among which the most famous is the Abby of Vitrovia , and the Palace of Crusmen , after the Italian manner .

Konarzew . Konarzew , a Town of no great Importance .

Wart . Wart , a large City built upon a River of the same Name .

Lask . Lask , where formerly Johannes Lascus Archbishop of Gnesna , founded a Collegiate Church , and richly endow'd it at his own Costs .

To this Palatinate also belongs the Territory of

Territory of Vielunia . Vielunia , which has a Castellan and other Magistrates of its own , and is divided into two parts , viz. Vielunia , and Ostresow . Both which contain some Towns , and a great number of Villages .

Towns of Vielunia . The principal of the Towns is Boleslaw , which is defended with a very strong Castle .

Vielun , environ'd with a high Wall and a very deep Ditch , having likewise a Castle on the River Prosna . Its Buildings are generally of Brick , whereof there are several very stately .

Ostresow , a Timber-built City on the Borders of Silesia , situate in a very large Plain , and encompass'd almost every way with Woods .

In this Palatinate the Gentry formerly had a Privilege of sealing their Letters with Red Wax , which was only allow'd to the Senators in all the rest of the Kingdom , and which they obtain'd by recovering the Standard of the Palatinate of Lanschet , after it had been lost to the Prussians , and Teutonick Knights .

Senators of Siradia . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Siradia . The Castellans of Rosprza , Spicimir , and Konarzew .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate are in a Field Vert , a Lion Gules , and Eagle Sables , both counter-coup'd in the middle .

Arms of Vielunia . The Territory of Vielunia has its own Ensigns , which are an Agnus Dei with a Cross Argent in a Field Guiles .

IV. palatinate . The fourth Palatinate of Great Poland is that of

Rava , which is divided into three Districts , viz. The Districts of Rava , Sochaczow , and Gostinin .

In all which are the several Cities and Towns of Rava , Cap. Lowitz , Volboria , Gombin , Sochaczow , Gostinin , Viasdum , and Biala .

Cities and Towns of Rava . The Capital City of this Palatinate is Rava , situate in a Plain , built for the most part with Wood , and tolerably populous . It has a Castle on a small River of the same Name , in which Prisoners of the best Rank are kept . The fourth part of the Revenue of this Castle goes towards the Payment of the Souldiers . The same Constitution was in Podolia , where former Kings thought fit to establish the best Guard they could against the frequent Incursions of the Tartars . In this City is a very considerable College of Jesuits , much visited by Learned Men.

Lowitz . Lowitz , a City much more populous than the former , and about five Miles distant from it : It is famous for being sometimes the Residence of the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , or Primate of Poland . His Palace there is built among the Marshes , yet nevertheless consists of several fair Piles of Building : The Church also is a beautiful Structure , and enrich'd with several noble Gifts . It has likewise a great many considerable Monasteries , Abbies , &c. In this City are divers famous Fairs kept , which the Gentry very much frequent from all Parts .

Volboria . Volboria , a Town wherein the Bishop of Cujavia commonly resides , and where he has a Noble Palace . This Place is also very populous .

Gombin . Gombin , a large Timber-built Town , situate in a Plain .

Sochaczow . Sochaczow , a Place defended with Palisades , and a Castle built on a Rock , which is wash'd by the River Bsura .

Gostinin . Gostinin , a Wooden City built in a Plain among Marshes . This Place is famous for having in it the Prison where Demetrius Suski the Czar of Muscovy , was kept for a long time , and where he at length dy'd .

Viasdum . Viasdum , remarkable for its Strength and Beauty of its Castle , and situate not far from Rava on the Left-hand .

Biala . Biala , a Town belonging to the Bishop of Chelm .

This Palatinate contains likewise a Noble Palace of the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , call'd Squernevicid .

Senators of Rava . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Rava , The Castellans of Sochaczow , and Gostinin .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate are an Eagle Sables , with the letter R on his Breast in a Field Gules .

V. Palatinate . The fifth Palatinate of Great Poland is that of

Lanschet , divided likewise into three Districts , viz. The Districts of Lanschet , Brezini , and Orlow .

In all which the most considerable Cities and Towns are , Lanschet , Cap. Orlow , Bresina , Piontkum , and Vniejovia .

Cities and Towns of Lanschet . The Capital Place of this Palatinate is

Lanschet , a wall'd City built among the Marshes in a Plain , and surrounded with a very broad and deep Ditch ; it has a Castle well fortify'd on a Rock , and which is wash'd by the River Bsura . Not far off in a Village call'd Kosciol there is a very neat Church built with Free-stone . There are several famous Fairs kept in this City , where one of the Little Diets is also conven'd pursuant to the King's Command .

Orlow . Orlow , a Timber-built Town seated between several small Lakes and a large muddy River . It is four Miles from Lanschet .

Bresina . Bresina , a wooden-built Town , indifferently large , situate among Bogs , and about seven Miles from Lanschet .

Piatek . Piontkum or Piatek , built among the Marshes on the Banks of the River Bsura . This Place is famous for well-tasted Beer , which is transported from hence all the Kingdom over . Here is a Monastery erected to the Honour of St. Paul .

Uniejovia . Vniejovia , a Town where there is a very famous Castle founded on the Wart . Both these Places belong to the Arch-bishop of Gnesna .

Senators of Lanschet . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Lanschet . The Castellans of Bresina , Brezina , and Biechovia .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate are an Eagle Argent , and Lion Sables , both counter-coup'd in the middle , and the latter crown'd Or , all in a Field Gules .

The sixth and seventh Palatinates are comprehended Territory of Cujavia . in Cujavia , whereof the former is

I. Palatinate of Cujavia . The Palatinate of Bresty , which is divided into four Districts , viz. The Districts of Bresty , Cruswick , Coval , and Predek .

In all which are the several Cities and Towns of Vladislaw , Cap. Bresty , Nisavia , Radzieow , Voisinow , Kowalow , and Sluzevia .

Cities and Towns of Uladislaw . The Capital City of this Palatinate is

Vladislaw , built among the Marshes near the Vistula . This City is famous for being the Episcopal See of the Bishop of Cujavia , who always crowns the King in case either of the Death , Indisposition or Obstinacy of the Primate : It has a neat Cathedral built after the Gothick manner , and about it stand the Prebends and Canons Houses , with a large Free-School . The Buildings of this City are generally of Brick , with which the Castle is also built on the River Vistula . The Country hereabouts is all Boggy , and there is so great scarcity of Wood , that the Inhabitants suffer very much for want of it .

Bresty . Bresty , a City seated in a Plain among Marshes , and defended with a very strong Wall and deep Ditch . The Houses here are for the most part of Brick .

Upon the same shore with Vladislaw lies Nisavia . Nisavia , being not far off from it ; it is a wall'd Town .

Radzieow . Radzieow , a Timber-built Town , situate in an open Country near a very large Lake .

Koisinow . Koisinow , a Town defended with a strong Castle .

Kowalow . Kowalow , a Timber-built Town , seated amongst the Marshes .

This Palatinate is very fertile , and abounds with all sorts of Corn , which not only suffices the Inhabitants , but is also transported in vast quantities to Dantzic by several Navigable Rivers , whence it is carried out of the Kingdom .

II. Palatinate . The latter and seventh Palatinate of the Province of Great Poland is that of

Inowlocz , which is divided likewise into three Districts , viz. The Districts of Bydgosty , Bobrounitz , and Inowlocz .

This Palatinate extends it self from the Lake of Goplo and the City of Cruswick , to the Vistula , and Confines of Pomerania , and has several Cities and Towns , whereof the chief are , Cruswick , Bydgosty , Gnieukow , Vratislaw , Solec , Dibow , and Strelce .

Cities and Towns of Cruswick . Cruswick , an antient City next to Gnesna for Antiquity , built upon the Borders of Bresty , with a strong wall'd Castle near the Lake Goplo , out of which it is said the Rats came that devour'd King Popiel II. his Wife and Family by a Divine Judgment . In the Suburbs of this City is the Church of St. Peter , built with Free-stone , together with a College of twenty four Canons . Here formerly the Court resided , but was afterwards remov'd to Cracow .

Bydgosty . Bydgosty , a wall'd Town , in a Plain , wash'd by the River Barda ; by which several things are transported to Vladislaw , being only six Miles distant .

The other Towns are not to be despis'd , being generally very populous .

Senators of Cujavia . The Senators of Cujavia are , The Palatin , and Castellan of Bresty . the Palatin , and Castellan of Inowlocz . The Castellans of Kowalow , Cruswic , and Bydgosty .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of Cujavia is in a Field Or , an Eagle Gules , and Lion Sables , counter-coup'd in the middle .

II. PROVINCE . Lesser Poland . Its Bounds . The Second PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Upper or Lesser Poland , which is bounded on the North by Masovia and Podlachia ; on the West by Lower Poland ; on the South by Hungary , and on the East by Russia ; and is about fifty German Miles as well in length as breadth .

It is generally divided into three Palatinates , Viz. The Palatinates of Cracovia , Sendomir , and Lublin .

I. 〈◊〉 . The first Palatinate of Lesser Poland is that of Cracovia , which besides four Districts , contains also three Dutchies and one County .

The four Districts are Cracovia , wherein are two Subdivisions , Viz. The Subdivisions of Xianzen , and Prossovia . Lelovia , Briecz , and Sandecz .

The three Dutchies are , Oswieczin , Zator , and Severia .

Which are part of Silesia , and the County is that of Scepuz , which belongs to Hungary , and contains thirteen Towns , the chief of which is Luboul , having a well-fortify'd Castle , wherein constant Guard is kept .

The chief Cities and Towns of this Palatinate are , Cracow Bishoprick and Metropolis . Biecz . Wounitz . Sandecz . Lelow . Kyaz . Oswieczin . Zator . Seueria . Proszovice . Czenstochova . Slaucovia . Ilcussia . Wicliczka . Bocknia , and Dobcitia .

Cities and Towns of Cracow . Of all which , the Capital of the Province and Metropolis of the Kingdom is ,

Cracow , a famous City , seated in a spacious Plain near the Weissel , by which Merchandizes are transported to Dantzic . It lies nine Polish Miles East of the Frontiers of Silesia , eleven from those of Upper Hungary , twenty three from Sendomir , thirty from Olmitz , thirty five South-East of Vratislaw , forty from ●●ienna , and about fifty from Buda , and is plac'd in the 42 Degree of Longitude , and 50 of Latitude .

Why so call'd . It takes its Name from Cracus , Gracus or Gracchus , one of the first Dukes of Poland , tho some others will have it to be the Cawdanum of Ptolomy corrupted into Cracow . But let its Name come from whence it will , it is certain that now , considering the stateliness both of its publick and private Edifices , and the great Plenty of all manner of Necessaries , it is equal to most Towns of either Germany or Italy .

If this Character given to it by Starovolscius be disputed , no body can deny but that it is the largest and best built Town in all Poland , being divided into four Quarters , Viz.

Cracow , properly so call'd . Casimir . Stradomia , and Cleparia .

The first Cracow is encompass'd with a very high Wall , and flank'd with round brick Towers , with a broad deep Ditch , wall'd likewise , The Castle . and a stately Castle about a Mile in Compass , sounded on a Rock call'd Vavel , on the Banks of the River Vistula . It is a large stone Building , consisting of two Wings , magnificently rais'd about a Square-Court , having Galleries , supported with Pillars , and pav'd with black and white Marble . The King's Appartments , with some others , are adorn'd with divers curious Paintings and Statues , and the Country round about affords one of the most delightful Prospects in Europe .

The Cathedral . Here is the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus , in which a late Bishop of Cracow , Martin Szyscovius , repair'd and beautify'd his Tomb , which before had been all of Silver . This , Sigismund III. and his Son Vladislaus VII . greatly augmented , bestowing on it many Offerings of Gold and Silver Vessels . Sigismund I. also in honour of this Saint , built a Silver Altar near his Tomb , bestowing on it several Golden Crucifixes , and as many Vestments richly embroider'd with Gems of all sorts . His Daughter Ann likewise , Wife to King Stephen , built another Silver Altar in the Chapel of the Annunciation , whose Roof is all gilded , and wherein the Kings of Poland are wont to be interr'd . This Cathedral is principally to be noted for its Chapter and Treasury .

I pass by several other inestimable Riches which are to be seen here ; but I cannot omit one thing , which is , that God is so incessantly prais'd in this Church , that the Priests are never silent Night nor Day . The Bishop of The Bishop and Chapter . this Diocess is Lord over thirteen Cities , and Prince of the Dutchy of Severia . His Chapter , which consists of about thirty Canons , with several other inferiour Priests , having a proportionable Revenue . This City was erected into a Metropolitan See upon the first Planting of the Christian Religion in Poland by Miecislaus I. but within a hundred Years after it degenerated into a Bishoprick under the Archbishop of Gnesna , in regard that Lampert Zula could not be persuaded to receive his Pall from the See of Rome ; yet upon submission he was afterwards restor'd to that Dignity , but which lasted only for his Life , his Successors having been ever since only Bishops .

Other Churches . There are about fifty other Parish-Churches , as well in the Castle as the Town : whereof the most celebrated is that of the Virgin Mary in the Circle of Cracow , which is govern'd by an Arch-Presbyter , and fronts ten large Streets , having moreover on all sides four Rows of magnificent Structures .

The University . A University was first begun here by Casimir the Great , and finish'd not till the Year 1401 , by Vladislaus Jagello , conformable to the last Will and Testament of his Queen Hedwigis , and had its Privileges soon after confirm'd by Pope Vrban VI. However the Scholars forsook it in 1549 , by reason that the Magistrates had refus'd to do Justice on the Servants of Andrew Czarnkowski , who in a Quarrel had slain a great Number of them . They afterwards dispers'd themselves into several Parts of Germany , and becoming Protestants , spread the Lutheran Religion throughout Poland , and gain'd a great Number of Proselites . Yet notwithstanding all this , at last they return'd to the Obedience of the See of Rome .

In this University are taught all sorts of Learning , and which is now as great an Ornament to the Polish Kingdom , as Athens was formerly to Greece . It contains in all eleven Its Colleges . Colleges , which are ,

The Great College , which is only for Philosophers . The Law-College , where the Professors of that Art cohabit and read Lectures . The Physick-College , which the Physicians do not live in , because they are generally marry'd , and have Families . The College of Dlugossus for young Students in the Law . The College of the Poor , for such as we call King's-Scholars here . The College of Nascovius for other Sciences . The College of Jerusalem or of Olesnicius . The College of Zisinius , newly erected . The College of Staringilius . The College of Smiescovicius , and The College for Human Learning .

To these may be added fourteen Grammar-Schools , scatter'd throughout the City ; in which also sometimes University-Learning is taught .

Vice-Chancellor . All these Colleges and Schools are govern'd by a Rector or Vice-Chancellor , who takes care that Orders be duly observ'd , and Functions rightly administred ; which is so great Encouragement , that there is scarce any Ecclesiastical or Political Dignity in the Kingdom but is fill'd by Persons that have been educated in this University .

Monasteries . In the Monasteries also are taught both Philosophy and Divinity , but more especially in that of the Dominicans of the Trinity , where there are daily Lectures kept , and several kinds of Moral Learning also promoted .

Mendicants . There are likewise several sorts of Mendicant Friers in this City , who upon solemn Feasts , according to the antient Custom , go in Procession , cloth'd in divers Colours , such as Mendicants of the Rosary in Red. Mendicants of Mercy in Green . Mendicants of the Mantle in Blew . Mendicants of the Passion in Black . Mendicants of the Body of Christ in White . Mendicants of Saint Sophia in Purple . Mendicants of Saint Ann in Ash-colour . Mendicants of Saint Monica in Crimson .

Houses of this City . The Houses of this City are for the most part of Free-stone , and four or five Stories high , but cover'd on the Top only with Boards instead of Slate or Tiles .

The Quarter of Casimir is join'd to the rest by a fair Timber Bridg , erected over the River Rudawka , a Branch of the Weissel , whilst the other two , Stradomia and Cleparia , are water'd by the Weissel , and lie between Cracow and the aforesaid Bridg.

Biecz . Biecz , in the Territory of the same Name , is a wall'd City in a Plain , water'd by the River Rapa , a Branch of the Vistula , out of the Froth of which they make Sulphur . It is about fifteen Polish Miles from Cracow , and five from Sandecz .

Wounitz . Wounitz or Woynicz , a Timber-built Town on the River Dunaiecz , from Cracow about nine Miles .

Sandecz . Sandecz , a wall'd Town , in a very pleasant Plain , in the Territory of the same Name , wash'd by the River Dunaiecx , and about eleven Miles from Cracow . It has a Collegiute Church and several Monasteries , &c. Its Inhabitants are Active and Industrious .

Lelow . Lelow , in the Territory of Lelovia , of which it is the Capital , environ'd with an old Wall , and a strong Castle built upon a Hill , wherein is a Palace and several Gardens after the Italian manner . It is wash'd by the River Biala , and about eleven Miles from Cracow .

Kyaz . Kyaz , a wooden-built Town about seven Miles from Cracow .

Osvieczin . Osvieczin , Capital of the Dutchy of the same Name , a Timber-built City in a Plain among the Marshes , with a wooden Castle plaister'd only with Clay . It is about seven Miles from Cracow .

Zator . Zator , Capital of that Dutchy , built with Wood in a Plain near the River Vistula , and about five Miles from Cracow .

Severia . Severia , Capital of the large Dutchy of the same Name . It has a very strong Castle in an Island in the middle of a very broad Lake , and another at Lipovecia upon a high Rock , famous for being the Prison of the insolent Clergy of the Diocess of Cracow ; for that Bishop being Temporal Prince of this Dutchy , which contains some Towns , and Lipovecia among the rest near Cracow , it is most convenient for him to imprison Dclinquents there .

Czentochova . Czentochova , a Town famous for good Beer , which is not only fetch'd from all Parts of Poland , but also from the neighbouring Provinces of Germany . Without this Place is a very famous Monastery , situate upon a Hill , where is a Picture of the Virgin Mary , said to be painted by Saint Luke , and to which Pilgrims from all Parts come to make their Offerings .

We went upon our Journey from Silesia to Cracow to see this Convent , where they shew'd us vast Quantities of Gold and Silver Plate , of rich Ornaments for Altars and Habits , enrich'd with all sorts of Jewels , particularly with Pearls ; for the great Families in Poland think it a mighty Honour for their Posterity to have given any thing of value to this Place , to be a Monument of their Devotion as well as Liberality . The Monks told us of a great many Miracles that were wrought here , with which they work'd such Effects upon the Minds of those credulous People , that they scruple not to impoverish themselves to enrich this Place . Not only the Church is very rich , but likewise the Monks are Masters of a great Territory round about it , and they maintain a Garison of 300 Men upon their own Charges , whom I have observ'd to be in a better Condition than any other Soldiers of the Kingdom . I can compare this Place to none more properly than Loretto in Italy , both for Wealth and Bigotry .

Slaucovia . Slaucovia , in the same Dutchy , famous for Silver Mines , which bring great Profit to this Bishop .

Ilcussia . Near to this City lies Ilcussia , a Royal Town , abounding also with Silver and Lead . Its Citizens are very Luxurious , but notwithstanding no less Devout . This Town is encompass'd with a Wall , and its Houses are for the greatest part of Brick . The Bread here is extraordinary , and Beef not to be equall'd in Cracow , whence it is scarce distant above five Miles ▪

On the Eastern side of the City of Cracow lies Velisca or Wieliczka , not above two or Wieliczka . three Miles from thence ; a Town abounding with Christal Salt , but which is not so transparent as that of

Bochnia . Bochnia , about five Miles from Cracow , where Salt is dug out in great Masses , and exceeding clear .

Dobcitia . Next towards Hungary lies Dobcitia , a strong Town with a Castle .

Proszovice . To the North of Cracow lies Proszovice , a Timber-built Town , seated in a Plain , where there is a Palace of the King 's rais'd on the Banks of the River Sozeniava , about four Miles from Cracow , in which is kept a Provincial Diet.

There are several other Cities and Towns belonging to Noblemen , as likewise a great Number of Castles , Palaces , Religious Houses , &c. of no ordinary Structure in this Palatinate : but all which , for brevity's sake , I have omitted .

Mines of Poland . This Palatinate excels all the rest in Mines , except that of Sendomir only . Silver and Lead are found about Ilcussia , Slaucovia , Severia , and Novogora ; and Copper and Gold at Novotargus , and in the Mountains about Sandecz ; Mineral Salt , like to huge Masses of Stone , at Bochna and Wieliczka ; Marble of all Colours at Selecia , belonging to the Bare-footed Friers ; Nitre at Wislicz ; Vitriol at Becia ; Pit-coal at Tencinum ; Iron-Mine and Glass-houses at Obstinia , as likewise at several other Places in this Kingdom .

But what I shall give your Lordship a more particular Account of , will be of Salt and Glass , which I have taken from my Observation in the Country . That of Salt properly comes in here .

Account of Salt Mines . You go down into the Salt Mines near Cracow by four or five pair of wooden Stairs , by which you go from one into the other . The Horses also descend the same way . The whole Depth of this Mine is thought to be near three hundred Geometrical Paces . Below you may meet with a thousand Turnings and Windings , and many Alleys and Streets like to a Town ; all which the Proprietor and hereditary Governour , Monsieur Morstin Covalski , told me would require above a Week's time to go over . In some Places there is a great deal of fresh Water in these Mines which the Miners drink , but in most it is salt , of which they make Salt by Evaporation ; but still the best sort is that which is natural , without Preparation . Sometimes there are such fierce Winds in these Mines , that nothing almost can withstand them ; and generally there is so much Cold , that it is hardly to be endur'd . Whilst it rains , the Salt is commonly insipid . They have Engines to crane up the Water that it may not any ways incommode the Miners . The Revenue of this Mine amounts to about eight hundred thousand Timfs or Polish Florins annually , which makes about 400000 French Livres , whereof 50000 go to the King , 10000 to the Queen , and some thousands more to the Officers of the Crown , and the Miners and other Labourers ; yet over and above all this , the Proprietor is oblig'd to make a yearly Present to all the Cities and Towns of Poland , and more particularly to their Starostas . A Cobler about the Year 1548 , first found out this Mine , who digging a Well near this Place , perceiv'd a Fountain with a thin Wall of Salt in the middle of it ; which breaking , and not knowing what to make of , he discover'd to the Owners of the Land , who were then the Family of Morstin ; who digging deeper , by reason they did not meet with much Salt near the Surface , found it in so great Quantity , that they have not been able to exhaust it during the Space of 150 Years . The Miners say , that the Lumps of Salt weigh a great deal less in the Mine than when taken out , which I have not seen confirm'd . There are four sorts of Salt in the Mine , whereof one is extream hard and rocky , like Christal . Another less hard , and clearer . A third brittle and softer , as also white and pure . All these three sorts are brackish , when the fourth only is somewhat fresher . In these Mines you shall have on one side a stream of salt Water , and on the other one of fresh . There are some places in these Mines where you can't work , because you dare not carry a Candle for fear of setting the Vapours on fire , which are always Nitrous , and easily susceptible of Flame .

Manna found . In this Palatinate , and in some others , there is a particular sort of Manna , which they gather in the Months of May and June by sweeping it off the Grass with Sives , together with the Dew . They eat this Manna , and make several sorts of Dishes with it for their Tables . More of this I shall take occasion to speak of hereafter .

Senators of The Senators of this Palatinate are , Cracovia . The Bishop Castellan , and Palatin of Cracow . The Castellans of Wounitz . Oswieczin . Sandecz , and Biecz .

The Castellans Power . The Castellan of Cracow precedes the Palatin for Reasons given before in the Life of Boleslaus III. otherwise call'd Krivoustus . This Palatin's Jurisdiction is very large , and extends several ways , not only over the Citizens and Countrymen , but also the Nobility or Gentry of his Palatinate .

Mayor of Cracow . Next is the Pretor or Mayor of Cracow , which Office , Guagnini says , has been discontinu'd ever since a Pretor , in the time of Vladislaus , betray'd that City to Boleslaus Duke of Oppelin ; for which he , together with his Accomplices , afterwards underwent deserv'd Punishment , and the Pretorship devolv'd to the King , who now thinks fit to name a Mayor himself , who , in my time , was a Scotchman .

Government of the Castle . The Castle of Cracow is principally under the Command of the Palatin , who has ten Deputies or Burgraves , who , both in time of Peace and War , cause a strict Guard to be kept therein both Night and Day . These Burgraves , must always be chosen out of the Gentry . Here the Crown and other Regalia are kept .

Arms of this Palatinate . The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate are an Eagle expanded Argent , crown'd Or in a Field Gules , with a Baton cross its Wings of the Second .

Of Sandecz . The District of Sandecz has a peculiar Ensign , which is Party per Pale , Argent and Azure .

Of the Dutchy of Oswieczin . The Dutchy of Oswieczin has for Arms in a Field Gules , an Eagle expanded Sables , bearing an O in its Breast .

Of that of Zator . The Dutchy of Zator has also a peculiar Scucheon , which is an Eagle expans'd Azure , with a Z in its Breast .

II. Palatinate . The Second Palatinate of Lesser Poland is that of

Sendomir , which is divided into eight Districts , Viz. The Districts of Sendomir . Radom . Stenziecz . Corzin . Wislicz . Chencin . Opoczno , and Pilzno .

In all which are the Cities and Towns of Sendomir , Cap. Opatovia or Opoczno . Viazden . Radom . Jedbinsk . Solecia . Ilza . Cunovia . ●●ozontin . Kielcz . Malogost , Cast . Sulovia . Drevicz . Inowlodz . Sydlovecz . Janovecz . Slupe●●z . Lagovia . Racovia . Corzin . Wislicz . Pilzno . Chencin . Poloviec . Zawicost . Zarnow . Zaclicin . Lezaisk . Osiec . Stasow . Polanecz . Stobnicz . Olesnicz . Ossolin . Paczanovia . Sendisow . Zarnovec . Sokolow . Praeclavia , and Zaclycin .

Cities and Towns of Sendomir . The chief City of this Palatinate is

Sendomir , a very pleasant City , seated on a Bank or small Hill of the River Vistula , enjoying a very delightful Prospect , and being much frequented by the Gentry on occasion of several Assizes of Justice held there by the Magistrates of this Palatinate . It lies near the Confluence of the San with the Weissel , and is twenty eight Polish Miles East from Cracow , and thirty-two South from Warsaw . It is fortify'd with strong Walls , and a considerable Castle built to the South , and wash'd by the Vistula , in which the Palatin resides , with some other regular Works rais'd by Casimir the Great . Among the Publick Buildings , the Monastery of Dominican Friers , founded by Ivo , formerly Archbishop of Cracow , is most remarkable . A Synod was conven'd here against the Heresy of Stancarus in the Year 1570 ; and another , wherein the Confession of Ausburg , Bohemia , and Switzerland , were reprov'd . This Town was sack'd by the Tartars in the Year 1240 , and taken by the Swedes in 1655 , but restor'd to the Poles the Year following .

Opatovia . Opatovia , four Miles from Sendomir , situate in a very pleasant Country , and wash'd by the River Pilcza . It has several famous Religious Edifices .

Viazden . Viazden , a new-built Town , much frequented , and well fortify'd .

Radom . Radom , Capital of that District , built in a Plain , and environ'd with a strong Wall and other Fortifications .

Jedlinsk . Jedlinsk , famous for a School , and a well-built Church .

Solecia . Solecia , situate upon the Vistula , and celebrated for its Castle ; repair'd and beautify'd by its antient Duke Christopher Zboravius .

Ilza . Ilza , a neat Town , built with Brick , and belonging to the Bishop of Cracow . It is famous for Earthen Ware , with which it furnishes all Poland . It has a Castle adjoining , consisting for the most part of old Buildings ; yet the Bishop's Palace is all new , and very stately .

Cunovia . To this Town belongs Cunovia , or Kunow , celebrated for all sorts of Marble , and that of all Colours .

Iron is exceeding plentiful in this Palatinate , Bozentin . but more especially at Bozentin , the Bishop of Cracow's City and Residence . This is a very beautiful Place , well fortify'd , in which the aforesaid Bishop has a very neat Palace with exceeding delightful Gardens . This City is seated near the bottom of the Bald Mountain , by much the highest in Poland .

Kielcz . Towards the West lies Kielcz , famous for Mines of Copper , and Lapis-Lazuli . These two belong to the Bishop of Cracow , who has here a very fair Collegiate Church and Episcopal See .

Chencin . Chencin , about three Miles from Kielcz , abounding likewise with Silver , Lead , and divers kinds of Marble . This Place belongs to the King . Here is a Castle seated on a Rock , where Justice is distributed to the District of the same Name .

Malogost . Malogost , or as some will have it , Malogsch , noted for being a Castellany . It is a wooden-built Town , and has nothing in it very remarkable .

Sulovia . Sulovia , a Town of some Note , by having Command over several neighbouring Places .

Drevicz , and Inowlodz . Drevicz and Inowlodz , two Towns remarkable for the superb Ruin of two old Castles .

Sydlovecz . Sydlovecz , the Name of a County formerly belonging to the Dukes of the Family of Radzivil , abounding with Iron Mines , good store of Fish , and vast Quantities of Wood. It s chief Town is encompass'd with an old Wall , and a Castle pretty well fortify'd . Nevertheless , it is not to be despis'd , having in it a great many fair Edifices .

Stenzicz . Stenzicz , Capital of the District of the same Name , and adorn'd with a very stately Monastery of Benedictin Monks .

Janovecz . A little higher lies Janovecz , with a Castle on the other side of the River .

Slupecz . Slupecz , belonging to the Abby of the Holy Cross , on the Top of the Bald Mountain , this Town being situate at the Bottom of it .

Lagovia . Lagovia , a City belonging to the Bishop of Cujavia , famous for making Earthen Ware .

Racovia . Racovia , a Nest of the Socinians , formerly a City indifferently populous , with a considerable Academy to instruct Youth : but which being now prohibited by a Publick Edict , the Catholick Religion is restor'd , but not therewithal the Grandeur of the Place .

Corzin . Corzin , Capital of the District of the same Name , a new Timber-built Town with a Castle , seated near the River Vislock , and surrounded every way with Marshes .

Wislicz . Wislicz , a Town built with Wood , and water'd by the River Nida . It has a strong Wall , and is moreover situate upon a Rock in the midst of a boggy Country . Here is to be seen a Cathedral Church , built with square Stone , with a very beautiful Close for the Habitations of the Canons . The Country round about this Place abounds with all kind of Serpents and Insects ; but as the Inhabitants tell you , being interdicted by the See of Rome , they have no power to do you any harm , and being transported out of that Place they immediately die . This City is a Castellany .

Pilzno . Pilzno , a Timber-Town built on the River Wislock .

Poloviec . Poloviec , a Timber-built Town lying among the Hills . This is a Castellany .

Zawichost . Zawichost , a Wooden City on the River Vistula , with a double wall'd Castle on the other side : This is likewise a Castellany .

Zarnow . Zarnow , a Town built with Wood , in which there is nothing remarkable , but that it is a Castellany .

Zaclicin . Zaclicin , famous for a very considerable Market .

Lezaisk . Lezaisk , a Town celebrated for a Monastery , wherein they pretend are miraculously kept several Relicks , and which draw great Crouds of Pilgrims from all Parts .

Senators of Sendomir . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Sendomir . The Castellans of Wislicz , Radom , Zawichost , Zarnow , Malogosch , Poloviec , and Sechow .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this Palatinate are Party per Pale Argent and Azure , in the first three Bars Gules , and in the second three Stars Sables , two and one .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of Poland , is Lublin , join'd also by the Territory of Lucovia , which contains near two thousand Gentlemens Houses . This Palatinate , with both the others , is within the Diocess of Cracow , which comprehends a thousand and eighteen Churches , thirteen whereof are Collegiate .

In this Palatinate are the several Cities and Towns of

Lublin , Cap. Casimir , Czemiernikow , Vrzendow , Lulow , Parkow , Opolia , Curovia , Crasnicz , Levartovia , and Lenczna .

Cities and Towns of Lublin . Whereof the Capital City is

Lublin , situate in the 45 th degree of Longitude , and 51 of Latitude , and which lies five Miles from the Confines of Red Russia , twelve West of Chelm , fourteen from Sendomir , twenty four South of Warsaw , and thirty six North-East of Cracow . It is seated at the foot of a Hill , water'd by the River Bystricza , and defended by a high Wall , a broad Ditch , and a huge strong Castle , which owes its Foundation to the Russians . This City is not very large , but nevertheless exceeding healthy , and well built , and much frequented by the Turkish , Armenian , Muscovitish and German Merchants , especially at the time of the four famous Fairs that are annually kept there . It is encompass'd every way almost by Marshes , and was wall'd round by Casimir the Great . The Jews generally inhabit the Suburbs , where they have a Synagogue . The principal Church here was erected by Lescus Niger on occasion of a signal Victory he gain'd over the Lithuanians near this place . This Church he dedicated to St. Michael , who , 't is said , had promis'd him good Success the Night before he fought . There are several other well-built Churches in this City , as likewise divers magnificent Monasteries , the chiefest of which was founded by Vladislaus Jagello . This City is noted for two Courts of Justice , or great Tribunals for all Poland , which occasions a great Concourse of the Gentry to this Place .

Casimir . Casimir , a very fair Wooden City built among Rocks near the Vistula , whose overflowing sometimes lays the Houses above half under Water . It is about seven Miles from Lublin .

Czemiernikow . Czemiernikow , famous for a very beautiful Palace , formerly built by the prudent and illustrious Henry Firleius Arch-bishop of Gnesna , and adorn'd with several delightful Gardens .

Urzendow Vrzendow , a large Timber-built Town , situate on a Lake , and about seven Miles from Lublin .

Lulow . Lulow , Capital of the Territory of Leucovia , a City built with Wood in a Plain , partly defended by a Bog , and partly by Palisadoes : It is about fourteen Miles from Lublin , and has a very considerable Jurisdiction .

Parkow . Parkow , a Wood-built Town , seated in a Plain near a very large Lake , and about nine Miles from Lublin .

Senators of Lublin . This Palatinate sends only two Senators , viz. The Palatin and Castellan of Lublin .

It s Arms. It s Standard or Arms is a Stag Passant , Argent , Collard Or , in a Field Gules .

III. PROVINCE . The third PROVINCE of Poland is

Prussia , which depends only in part on the Jurisdiction of the Crown of Poland ; for it has its peculiar Laws , Customs and Courts of Justice . It is a Country of great Extent , and every-where water'd with commodious Rivers , and moreover towards the Baltic enrich'd with many convenient Ports and Havens . In length it is about sixty Polish Miles , and near fifty in breadth , and is bounded on Its Bounds . the West by Pomerania , on the South by Cujavia and Masovia , on the East by Lithuania and Samogitia , and on the North by the Baltic Sea .

Its Products . This Province , tho it has no great store of Mines , yet it abounds with all sorts of Cattle , wild Beasts , Fish and Fruit , and enjoys a very temperate Climate . The Merchandizes which it has from Poland , Russia and Lithuania , it transports in great quantities , and likewise imports whatever either Europe or the Indies afford , and that chiefly by way of Exchange . Hence it comes to pass that its Inhabitants are generally richer , and live better than in any of the other Provinces of Poland .

In this Province they make Glass of certain Wood-Ashes , or of the largest sort of Pebles . These they boil for twelve hours before they will vitrify . When they would have their Glass clearer than ordinary , they mix a certain Earth with the Ashes of the Colour and Hardness of Tartre , which renders the Glass of different Colours , according to the quantity of this Earth mixt with it . Here may be remark'd , that if Salt be mixt with Glass , it becomes much easier to be blown by the Artificer .

Its Rivers . The principal Rivers of this Province are , The Weissel , or Vistula . The Niemen , The Nogat , The Elbing , The Wesser , The Passar , The Alla , The Pregel , The Ossa , The Drebnicz , The Lica , and The Lavia .

Its Lakes . Together with a great many Lakes replenish'd with all sorts of Fish , the chief of which are ,

1. Habus , near fifteen Miles long , and about two in breadth , disjoin'd from the Sea only by the Isthmus Neringa , or rather a small Neck of Land ; for I find it has Communication with the Sea , where the Inhabitants gather Amber in small Nets of a Conick Figure , with a large Mouth , and narrow at the bottom . This Net they tie to a long Pole , and set out in the Sea when the Waves begin to come in , wherewith they take pieces sometimes as big as ones Fist . This Amber is thought to be form'd by the great number of Fir-Trees that grow along this Lake , which dropping great quantities of Resina , or Turpentine , into it , is carried into the Baltic Sea , where being labour'd by the Waves it is congeal'd into Amber , wherein are found Flies and other Insects . But I am since better inform'd , that Amber is a Mineral Juice that runs into the Sea ; which at first taking is soft , but quickly hardens in the Air. It is also to be got all along the Sea-coast in this Province .

2. Curona , another Lake something larger than the former in Ducal Prussia .

Prussia is generally divided into

Regal and Ducal .

This Province was at first subject to certain Soveraign Dukes , until the Knights of the Teutonick Order got possession of it in the XIII th Century after a tedious War . In the Year 1454 , the Western Part was subdued by the Poles ; and in 1520 , Albert Marquess of Brandenburg , the 34 th and last Master of that Order , having shaken off the Polish Yoke , obtain'd the Eastern Part under the Title of a Dutchy ; so that ever since it has been divided as abovesaid . The same Albert embrac'd Lutheranism , perswaded most of the Knights to marry , and introduc'd the Reform'd Religion into this Country , whereof the antient Inhabitants are long since extirpated ; and the present Prussians are a mixt People sprung from the several Colonies of the Swedes , Poles , Germans , and other Neighbouring Nations .

Royal Prussia . Regal or Royal Prussia is divided into four Palatinates , viz. The Palatinate of Pomerania , Culm , Marienburg , and Varmia .

I. Palatinate . The first Palatinate , Pomerania , being not in possession of the Poles , requires no Description .

II. Palatinate . The second Palatinate of Royal Prussia is that of Culm ( to which also the Territory of Michalovia , lying to the South , belongs ) and has in it these Cities and Towns , viz. Culm Bish. & Cap. Thorn , Graudentz , Colmensee , Brodnicz , Radin , Golubia , Rogozna , Brathian , Lubavia , and Kopriunicza .

Cities and Towns of Culm . Of all which the chief City is

Culm , an antient and famous Place built on a Hill , the foot whereof is water'd by the River Vistula . It lies about four German Miles from Thorn to the South , and fifteen from Dantzic to the North. It was built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in the Year 1223 , who likewise fortified it against the Irruptions of the Heathen Prussians ; and Herman Desalza , Master of that Order , gave Laws and Constitutions for its Government . This City suffer'd much Damage during the Swedish Invasion , and is now very thin of Inhabitants ; insomuch that the Episcopal See , subject to the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , has been for some time remov'd to the neighbouring Town of Colmensee . It has in it very fair Churches , enrich'd with many valuable Ornaments and precious Offerings .

Thorn . Thorn , seated upon the Bank of the Vistula , by which it is divided into two parts : It lies four Polish Miles from Culm to the South , thirteen from Marienburg , twenty two from Dantzic , fifteen from Lanschet , and twenty nine from Warsaw . It was heretofore an Imperial and Free City , but was afterwards exempted from the Jurisdiction of the Empire , and as yet enjoys very many Privileges . It s Name seems to have been taken from the German word Thor , signifying a Gate , because built by the Teutonick Order as it were for a Gate to let Forces into Prussia whenever occasion serv'd : Whence its Arms are suppos'd It s Arms. to have been taken , being a Castle and Gate half open . This City does not stand in the same place where the old one did , that having been seated a Mile Westward from hence , where are now to be seen the Ruins of an antient Castle , and some other Monuments . However this City at present is the fairest and best built of any in Royal Prussia , the Streets being much broader , and Houses more stately than at Dantzic . It was very much beautisied by one of its Burgermasters Henry Stwband in the Year 1609 , who built a small University here , and endow'd it with a considerable Revenue . He likewise founded an Hospital , and a Publick Library , where two of Cicero's Epistles are preserv'd written upon Tables of Wax , and a Town-house built in the middle of the Market-place . The Inhabitants revolted from the Knights of the Teutonick Order in the Year 1454 , and put themselves under the Protection of Poland . Native Town of Copernicus . In this City the famous Astronomer Nicholas Copernicus was born ; and John Albert King of Poland died here in the Year 1501. It was taken by the Swedes in the Year 1655 , and regain'd by the Poles in 1658. Afterwards the Swedes recover'd it , and the Poles surpriz'd and retook it in 1665.

Graudentz . Graudentz , only famous for a Castle and very strong Wall .

Colmensee . Colmensee , or Culmensee ▪ the Episcopal Seat of the Bishop of Culm , translated hither from Culm . It is distant nine Miles from Thorn to the North , nineteen from Graudentz , and twelve from Culm to the South-East .

Territory of Michalovia . The Territory of Michalovia is a strait Neck of Land between the Rivers Brodna and Drebnicz , which was the occasion of bloody Wars between the Teutonick Knights and Poles : The chief Town is Michalovia , which , with some others that are in this Territory , deserves no Description .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of Royal Prussia is that of

Marienburg , in which are these Cities and Towns , viz Marienburg , Cap. Elbing , Stuma , Mewa , Gniew , Now , Stargardie , and Ornet .

Cities and Towns of Marienburg . Of all which the chief City is

Marienburg , seated upon the Nogat , a Branch of the Vistula , about six Miles from Dantzic : It is defended by strong Walls and high Towers , together with a very large Castle , wherein the better sort of Prisoners in time of War are kept . This City receives no small Benefit from the Neighbourhood of the Island Zulava , which is a very rich spot of Earth . This Island is divided into two parts , viz. 1. The Greater , which lies next Marienburg , and 2. The Lesser , next to Dantzic , to whose Inhabitants at present belongs

Elbing . Elbing , a well fortified and trading Town , in which the English they say had formerly a Consul . Here Albert , first Duke of Prussia , founded an Academy in the Year 1542. but of no great moment .

The other Towns I find no Description of .

IV. Palatinate . The fourth Palatinate of Royal Prussia is

The Bishoprick of Varmia , whose Gentry are exempt from all Regal Jurisdiction , being wholly govern'd by the Laws and Customs of Prussia , and by the Bishop who is a Temporal Prince : It has in it these Cities and Towns ; Heilsberg , Cap. Fraumberg , Brunsberg , Gutestadt , Allestein , Resla , Vormitz , Messac , Vatemberg , Seberg , &c.

Cities and Towns of Of all which the chief City is

Heilsberg . Heilsberg , famous for being the Residence of the Bishop , and defended with strong Walls and other sutable Fortifications .

Fraumberg . Fraumberg , celebrated for the Cathedral of the Bishoprick of Varmia there built , of which the famous Astronomer Copernicus was Canon .

Brunsberg . Brunsberg , situate on the River Passar , so much frequented , and so worthily esteem'd , that it is reckon'd among the chief Towns of Prussia . It has a College of Jesuits built by Cardinal Hosius .

There are several other Cities and Towns of which I find no Description , and therefore have omitted them .

Ducal Prussia . Ducal Prussia , now entirely belonging to the Elector of Brandenburg , has these Towns in it , viz. Koningsberg , Cap. Pilaw , Memel , Welaw , Tilsa , Marienwerder , &c. To the number of 60.

Town of Koningsberg . The Metropolis Koningsberg is a Market Town divided into three parts , and defended with a very considerable Castle : It lies in the 43 d degree of Longitude , and 54 of Latitude , and has a small Academy founded by Albert Great Master of the Teutonick Order , and first Duke of this Country in the Year 1544. The Citizens are generally Lutherans , as are likewise most part of this Country , which occasion'd Sigismund III. when he receiv'd Homage of this Duke in the Year 1621 , to impose a Law , that the Catholicks should have free Exercise for their Religion there .

Senators of Prussia . The Senators of Prussia are , The Bishop of Varmia , who is the Chief . The Bishop Palatin , and Castellan of Culm . The Palatins of Marienburg , and Pomerania . The Castellans of Elbing , and Dantzic .

There are other Officers which belong to the Senate or Great Council of Prussia , which they hold among themselves , except when they are commanded to the Grand Diet of the Kingdom . These are The Vice-Chamberlains of Culm , Marienburg , Pomerania , Thorn , Elbing , and Dantzic .

Besides these several Magistrates , the Prussians have also a Treasurer , Burgraves of Castles , Sword-Bearers , Judges , and Sheriffs ; but none of all these have any Place in the Council .

The Palatins of Prussia have far greater Power than those in any other Province of Poland .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of Prussia are an Eagle expans'd , Sables , with a Sword evaginated , and held by a dexter Hand Argent : Both in a Field Or.

IV. PROVINCE . The Fourth PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Red-Russia . Red - Russia , the other being White - Russia , and belonging to Lithuania . This Province It s Extent . extends it self from the Frontiers of Lithuania , as far as the Mouth of the Nieper in the Black Sea ; which River separates it from Moscovy to the East , as likewise do the Carpathian Mountains from Hungary to the South-West . It is extreamly fruitful in Corn , Beasts of all kinds , Fish , and Honey . In this Province there are several Trees daily found along the Shore of the River San , which are very hard , and black as Ebony . The Country People say they have lain there ever since the Deluge , but it is probable they might have been wash'd down by the Course of the River a great while since . It is bounded on the South by Hungary , Moldavia , and Bessarabia ; on the East by the Scythian Desarts , and especially Moscovy ; on the North by Russia Alba , separated by the Rivers Stiro and Pripecz ; and on the West by Lesser Poland , from which it is divided by the Rivers Vislocz and Vepre .

This Province comprehends seven Palatinates , Viz. The Palatinates of Russia , Podolia , Braslaw , Kiovia , Volhynia , Belsko , and Chelm .

I. Palatinate . The first Palatinate of this Province is that of

Russia , which is divided into four Districts , which are , The Districts of Leopol , Premislaw , Halicz , and Sanoch .

I. District . The first of these Districts has in it these remarkable Cities and Towns , Viz. Leopol Archbish. Cap. Grodeck , Javorisvia , Zolkiew , Gliniani , Zloczow , and Komarna .

Cities and Towns of Of all which , the chief City is

Leopol . Leopol , call'd Lwow or Luwow by the Polanders , and Lemberg or Russe-Lemberg by the Germans . It is the Metropolis of this Palatinate , and lies in the 46 Degree of Longitude , and 49 of Latitude . It is built amongst the Hills , on the Banks of the River Peltaw , fifteen Polish Miles from Mount Carpathus to the South , and as many from Premislaw to the West , thirty from Caminiec , forty from Cracow , and about fifty from Warsaw to the South-East . This City is large and well fortify'd , having two Castles , one within the Walls , and one without on a rising Ground , which commands the Town ; both which , together with the City , were founded by Leo ( or , as they call him , Loo ) Duke of Russia , about the Year 1289. The Archbishop of Leopol is both Spiritual and Temporal Lord of his Diocess . His See was translated hither from Halicz in 1361 , by Order of King Casimir . Here also reside an Armenian Archbishop , and a Russian Bishop depending on the Patriarch of Constantinople , with several Churches belonging to each Bishoprick . The Armenian Roman-Catholicks have inhabited here time out of mind , and are govern'd wholly by their own Prelat . They enjoy very great Privileges on account of the considerable Commerce they maintain with the Persians and other Eastern People . This City is famous for several Several times besieg'd . Sieges it has sustain'd . As first , it was besieg'd by the Cosacks and Tartars with a dreadful Army . Secondly , by the Moscovites and Cosacks in the Year 1648 , with an Army of above 120 thousand Men , without being able to take it in two Months and a half ; but the last time the Turks became almost Masters of it in the Year 1672 , yet by an Agreement oblig'd themselves to quit it . This hapned under the Reign of King Michael Wiesnowiski , who dy'd here in the Year 1673. This City gives great Encouragement to Learned Men , who are very civilly receiv'd by their Academy , which is supply'd with Professors from that of Cracow . Here is kept a very famous Winter-Fair , whither the Hungarian , Moldavian , and , in time of Peace , Turkish Merchants resort in great Numbers . Amongst other Rivers , it has Roxolania , wherein Barbels are taken of a great Size . It has likewise an innumerable Company of Fish-ponds all about it , replenish'd with several sorts of very fat Fish , which are salted up in great Numbers , and transported all over Poland . The Churches here are generally very fair and well-built , and abound with all kinds of costly Ornaments .

Grodeck . Grodeck , a palisado'd City , with a Castle built in a Plain , and surrounded with Bogs . It lies about four Miles from Leopol .

Javorisvia . Javorisvia , famous for a natural Bath arising in the next adjoining Village of Sclovia . This alone suffices to disperse several stubborn Distempers , as Sixtus Leo , a Physician of great Experience , testifies in his Treatise concerning it .

Zolkiew . Zolkiew , a Town adorn'd and defended by a Castle , and intermix'd with several delightful Gardens , with a fair Church in the middle of it , built with various sorts of Marble . It was the Seat of the late King John Sobieski , where my Lord of Rochester had Audience of him .

It s Arms. The Standard and Arms of this District are a Lion Passant Crown'd Or , by a Rock Sables , all in a Field Azure .

II. District . The second District of this Palatinate is

Premislia , which has in it these principal Cities and Towns , Viz.

Premislaw , Bish. Sambor , Jaroslaw , Lancut , Resovia , Fulstin , Visnia , Zidaczow , Moscisca , Dubiecz , Canczuga , and Prevorscia .

Cities and Towns of Whereof the capital City is

Premislaw . Premislaw , built on the River San with good strong Walls and a Castle , situate upon a Rock on the other side of the River . This City lies about six Leagues above Jaroslaw , and twelve from Leopol towards the West . There are in it two Bishops , one of the Place , and the other a Russian Prelat of the Greek Church . Orichowski , a Canon of this Cathedral , maintain'd ▪ that Priests might marry . Here is a College belonging to the Jesuits for the Education of Youth . The Citizens are very much addicted to Trade , and have several famous Fairs every Year . Near this City is a very spatious Park of the King 's , full of all kinds of wild Beasts , and strongly wall'd in , that they might do no mischief . The Country hereabouts abounds with Castles for defence against the Incursions of the Tartars ; the chief of all which is the Castle Crassici , lately built on the River San.

Sambor . Sambor , a Palisado'd City upon the River Tyra , with a Castle built near the Borders of Hungary .

Jaroslaw . Jaroslaw , famous for a Fair kept on Lady-Day , and the most celebrated of any in all Poland . Where , besides several Merchandizes brought from Persia , Constantinople , Venice , Muscovy and Amsterdam , they say , it is wont to have above four hundred thousand Head of Cattle , and half as many Horses . In this Town the Jesuits have a College for Students , and without it there is a very stately Nunnery of modern Architecture . Neither is its Castle to be despis'd , which is seated to the East on the River San.

Lancut . Lancut , famous for several magnificent Churches , founded by Stanislaus Lubomirski , Palatin of Cracow , together with a Castle well fortify'd against the Tartars .

Resovia . Resovia has in it a considerable Castle , with several Monasteries , and a Fair kept on the Feast of St. Albert. This Town is famous for a Linen Manufacture perform'd by the Germans , whose Ancestors having been taken Prisoners by Casimir the Great , were settled in and about this Place .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this District are an Eagle expans'd with two Heads , both Crown'd Or , in a Field Azure . III. District .

The third District of the Palatinate of Russia is that of

Halicz , encompass'd towards the West with the Mountains of Transylvania , to the South by the Boechy-Woods of Walachia , and towards the East is divided into two Parts by the Tyra or Niester , a rapid River , which arises among the Carpathian Mountains , and discharges it self into the Euxine Sea . The South Division of this District is call'd Procutia . The whole District contains these remarkable Cities and Towns , Viz.

Halicz , Cap. Sniatin , Cap. of Procutia . Colom . Martinow . Dolina . Strium . Podock . Brezana . Buczavia or Busko , and Podhajecia .

Cities and Towns of The chief all which is

Halicz . Halicz , formerly Metropolis of the Russian Kingdom , which was then divided into several Tetrarchies , each of which had its proper Duke . It is a large Timber-built City , divided from Moldavia by the River Prud , and on the other side wash'd by the Niester . It has a wooden Castle situated on an Eminence hard by the Niester . Its Inhabitants are somewhat Rustical , and addicted more to Agriculture than Trade .

Sniatin . Sniatin , a wooden Palisado'd Town on the Borders of Walachia , water'd by the Prud , and is Capital of Procutia . In it were wont to be Fairs kept , which the Valachians made their Magazine ; whence it became very well furnish'd with Cattle , Honey , Wax , and an excellent Breed of brave Horses in great Numbers .

Colom . Colom , a wooden Town , built under a Hill near the River Prud. It is very much frequented on account of its Refining Salt , with which it furnishes all the rest of Russia and Lithuania , there being none in those two Provinces , except only in the District of Premislaw . Almost all over this District there are deep Wells , whose Water is boil'd up into Salt . In the Desarts likewise of the Vkraine , near the Boristhenes , there is a certain Lake , whose Water by the power of the Sun is congeal'd into solid Lumps of Salt , and which the Inhabitants thereabouts only use .

Martinow . Martinow , a Town in Procutia , having a Castle built among the Marshes .

Dolina . Dolina , a wooden-built Town , situated among the Hills .

Strium . Strium , built likewise with Wood , near the River of its own Name .

Podock . Podock , on the other side of the Niester , defended by a Castle , and adorn'd by a fair Monastery , built by Steven Potucius , Palatin of Braclaw , who dy'd and lies bury'd there .

Brezana . Brezana , a populous Town , built with Wood , having a wall'd Castle on a Hill hard by .

Buczavia . Buczavia , or Busko , built among the Marshes , near which the River Bug has its Rise ; by means of which several Merchandizes are transported to Leopol .

Podhajecia . Podhajecia , environ'd with a Wall , and other Fortifications , having not far off the famous Castle of Zavalovia .

IV. District . The fourth District of the Palatinate of Russia is that of

Sanoch , near the Mountains of Hungary and Transylvania , and consequently abounding in little Hills except only towards Crosna . In it are these Cities and Towns , Viz. Sanoch , Cap. Crosna , Brozovia , Rimanovia , Dinovia , and Lesko ,

Cities and Towns of Of all which the principal City is

Sanoch . Sanoch , built with Wood , among the Hills , and near the River San. It has a no-ways contemptible Castle , founded upon a Rock .

Crosna . Crosna , the Staple of the Hungarians , whither they bring all their Merchandizes and Wines ; and therefore the Fairs and Marts here are more celebrated than those of their Neighbours . In this City likewise the Jesuits have a College for Human Learning . It exceeds Sanoch in its Number of Inhabitants , and Concourse of Strangers .

Brozovia , &c. The other Cities and Towns of Brozovia , Rimanovia , Dinovia and Lesko , are Places of no small Strength against the Incursions of the Tartars .

Senators of Sanoch . The Senators of the Palatinate of Russia are The Archbishop of Leopol . The Bishops of Premislaw , and Kiovia . The Palatin of Russia . The Castellans of Leopol . Premislaw . Halicz , and Sanoch .

II. Palatinate . The Second Palatinate of the Province of Red - Russia , is that of

Podolia , famous for the frequent Irruptions of Barbarians , and the many Battles fought with them there . If these People ( says Starovolscius ) might enjoy a wish'd-for Peace like the Western Countries of Europe , they would have no reason to envy either the Plenty or Riches of Italy or Hungary . This Palatinate has in it divers sorts of Marble and Alabaster in several Places , and is divided into three Districts , Viz. The Districts of Caminiec , Trembowla , and Laticzow .

In all which are these principal Cities and Towns , Viz. Caminiec , Cap. Trembowla . Laticzow . Bar. Husiatinow . Czartikow . Janow . Czvaniec . Chmielnic . Miedzibosz , or Misdzibozia . Zinkow . Jesupolis . Jacloveck . Satanow . Tarnopolia . Kitaigrod , and Dunaigrod .

Cities and Towns of The Chief City of all which is

Caminiec , situate on the Confines of Walachia , Caminiec . among Rocks and Hills . It is well fortify'd both by Nature and Art , and has a very strong Castle , built on an adjacent Rock which commands the Town . It s Avenue is cover'd with a Horn-work , which is separated from the Body of the Place by a deep Moat . Both City and Castle are almost encompass'd by the River Smotrzick , which a little below falls into the Niester . The Rocks lie every way so high about this City , that you can discover only the Tops of the highest Houses . It lies fifteen Polish Miles from Bar to the West , thirty from Leopol , thirty six from Jassy , thirty from Kiow , eighty from Warsaw , and about a hundred and seventy from Constantinople . This strong City , which is the See of a Prelat , Suffragan to the Arch-bishop of Leopol , was very much damag'd by a Fire in the Year 1669 , and has been often in vain attackt by the utmost Fury of the Turks and Tartars , till in the Year 1672 it fell into the possession of the former , in which it still continues . It was blockt up by Motula , General of the Cosacks , in the Year 1687 ; and the Poles afterwards made great Preparations to join his Troops , but were both oblig'd to retire upon the Approaches of the Ottoman Forces . Afterwards another Blockade was form'd by the Polish Army in 1688 , and the next year they actually invested the Place , and began a formal Attack in the Month of August ; but the Siege was rais'd in September following , and never since attempted , so that the Infidels remain at present in quiet possession hereof , together with several other considerable Places in this Palatinate .

Trembowla . Trembowla , a City lying under a great Mountain , with a Castle built upon an adjoining Hill .

Laticzow . Laticzow , well fortify'd against Incursions , with an adjoining Castle and Warlike Inhatants .

Bar. Bar , a City built and palisado'd round by Buona , Daughter of John Sforza Duke of Milan , and Queen to Sigismund King of Poland , so naming it from the Place where she was born . It has a Castle on a Hill , surrounded every way with Bogs and Lakes .

Husiatinow . Husiatinow , well fortify'd also against Incursions .

Czartikow . Czartikow , with the like strong Fortifications and a Castle .

Janow , &c. Janow and Czvaniec , with several others , are very strong Places .

Chmielnick . Chmielnick , a Timber-built Town , defended only with Palisado's , with a wooden Castle , built upon the River Bog .

Miedzibosz . Miedzibosz , a Town with a large Timber Castle , situate among the Marshes , to which there is no Avenue but over Bridges . This Place was formerly much infested by the Tartars .

Senators of Podolia . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Bishop , The Palatin , and The Castellan of Caminiec , Podolia , Caminiec .

●●s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate are the Sun in its full Glory in a Field Azure .

III. Palatinate . The Third Palatinate of the Province of Red - Russia , is that of

Braslaw , or Braclaw , lying beyond Podolia , upon the Borders of Tartary , now out of possession of the Poles ; in which are these Cities and Towns , Viz. Braclaw , Cap. Vinnicza , Zitomir , Sarogrod , Morachua , Jarosow , Felstin , and Chmielnic .

Cities of Of which the capital City is

Braclaw . Braclaw , built on the River Bog , with a wooden Castle and other Fortifications . It lies a hundred and ten Miles from Caminiec to the East , fifty five from Bar , and fifty from the Confines of Walachia to the North , towards Kiow . It was taken , and miserably wasted by the Turks in the Year 1672.

Vinnicza . Vinnicza , a wooden City likewise , built on the River Bog , and defended with a Castle and a Wall . This City is famous for a Meeting of the Gentry and a Court of Justice ; where the Jesuits also have a College to instruct Youth . These two Cities have been very much infested by the Tartars . I find no Description of the rest .

Senators of Braslaw . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin , and Castellan of Braslaw .

IV. Palatinate . The Fourth Palatinate of the Province of Red - Russia , is that of

Kiovia , bordering on one side on Tartary , and on the other on Moscovy . It is divided in the middle by the famous River Boristhenes . This Palatinate extends a great way towards the Euxine Sea , to the Confines of White - Russia in Lithuania . In it are these principal Cities and Towns , Viz. Kiow Bish. Cap. Kaniow , Circassia , Oczakow , Stepanow , Fastovia , Bohuslaw , Pereslaw and Bialerkiow .

Cities and Towns of The chief City of all which is

Kiow . Kiow , or Kiouf , according to the Pronunciation of the Inhabitants , an antient , large , and very populous City , fortify'd with strong Palisado's , a Castle , Trench , and some other Regular Works , and situate on the Boristhenes or Nieper . The old Kiow was built on a Hill a little beyond the River , where are still to be seen the Ruins of many Arches , high Walls , Churches , and Burying-places of divers Kings with Greek Inscriptions . Of these Churches , two remain in tolerable good Condition , viz. those of St. Sophia and St. Michael . The Walls of the former are lin'd with curious Mosaic Work , and the Dome consists of Earthen Pots , well cemented and fill'd with Mortar . St. Michael's Church is chiefly remarkable for its gilded Roof . The Burying-places of the antient great Men of Russia were in several Caves near this City , some of which are said to extend into the Borders of Moscovy above eighty Miles in length . The Bodies here are preserv'd whole and entire , especially those of two certain Princes , which are drest in Antique Habits , and have been not long since shewn to Travellers by the Russian Monks . The Place where these Sepulchers are made is of a sandy Stone , very dry , and seems to be of the same Nature with the Catacombs of Rome . Kiow was heretofore an exceeding large City , as may appear from the Ruins of the Walls , which extend themselves above eight Miles in compass . It is said to have been first founded by a Russian Prince nam'd Kius , in the Year of Christ 861 , and then constituted Metropolis of Tauro-Scythia . Next it became the Seat of the Russian Empire , and was afterwards govern'd by its own Princes . It was storm'd and pillag'd by the Tartars in the Year 1615 , and has ever since declin'd from its primitive Grandeur . It has been often taken and retaken within the Space of thirty Years , but now remains wholly in possession of the Ozar of Moscovy , to whom it was lately pawn'd by the Cosacks . The Episcopal See of Kiow is subject to the Metropolitan of Leopol . Here resides the Russian Archbishop , supream over all of the same Persuasion throughout Poland . Here are divers Roman and Russian Churches , and a great many Monasteries , &c.

Kaniow . Kaniow , seventeen Miles from Kiow , whose Inhabitants with its Neighbours round about , are a very Warlike People .

Circassia . Circassia , a Timber-built City on the River Boristhenes , about twenty five Polish Miles from Kiow . Its Inhabitants were formerly the Circassi , a Warlike People , and much celebrated in History , who likewise dwelt all along the Boristhenes .

Oczakow . Oczakow , built upon the Mouth of the Boristhenes , and inhabited by Tartars , tho commanded and govern'd by Turks .

Stepanow . Stepanow , fortify'd with a Castle , a Wall , and a Ditch .

Fastovia . Fastovia , famous only for being the Residence of the Bishop of Kiow , and the Jesuits College translated from Kiow .

Bohuslaw . Bohuslaw , Pereslaw , and Bialerkiow , are all Towns indifferently populous , and each defended by a Castle .

The Senators of Kiovia . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Bishop Palatin , and Castellan of Kiovia .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate are Party per Pale Argent and Azure . In the former the Charge of Lithuania , and in the latter a Bear Passant .

V. Palatinate . The Fifth Palatinate of the Province of Red - Russia , is that of

Belsko , joining to the District of Leopol , and Palatinate of Chelm , and plac'd about the middle of Red - Russia . It is divided into four Districts , Viz. The Districts of Belsko , Busko , Grodlow , and Grabow .

In all which are the several Cities and Towns of Belsko , Cap. of the Palatinate . Busko , Cap. of its District . Grodlow , Cap. of its District . Grabow , Cap. of its District . Sokal , &c.

Cities and Towns of The chief of all which is

Belsko . Belsko , or Belz , a Timber-built City , indifferently large , and situate among the Marshes , between Leopol and Zamoisk , and about five Miles from the River Bug. It has a wooden Castle , built on a Hill , surrounded every way with Bogs .

Busko . Busko , or Busk , a Town seated in a Moor , where the River ●● g takes its Rise , by which Merchandizes are ansported to Leopol only five Miles distant .

Grodlow . Grodlow , a palisado'd Town , with a Castle upon a Hill wash'd by the River Bug.

Grabow . Grabow , a wooden Town , seated in a large Plain , with a Castle fortify'd both by Nature and Art , and of very difficult Access .

Sokal . Sokal , a Town seated on the Bug , and defended only with Palisado's .

Senators of Belsko . The Senators of this Palatinate are The Palatin and Castellan of Belsko .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate are a Griffin Volant , Argent in a Field Gules .

VI. Palatinate . The Sixth Palatinate of Red - Russia is that of

Chelm , lying between Lublin , Lithuania , and Volhynia , and is divided into two Districts , Viz. The Districts of Chelm , and Crasnistaw .

In both which are these Cities and Towns , Viz. Chelm Bish. Cap. Crasnistaw , Zamoisk , Ratno , Lynbowlya , Rozana , Vlodavia . Scebresin , Turobin , Tamogrod , Tomasow , and Ctesow .

Cities and Towns of The Capital of all which is

Chelm . Chelm , a small City defended with a Castle , the Outworks whereof are made of Wood. It lies about ten Miles from Lublin to the East , twenty four from Premistaw to the North , and twelve from Belsko . It has been sack'd and burnt by the Muscovites and Tartars during the late Wars , which occasion'd the Residence of its Bishop to be translated to Crasnistaw . Nevertheless , an Oriental or Russian Bishop still resides there .

Crasnistaw . Crasnistaw , a wall'd Town upon the River Vepre , where the Bishop of Chelm at present has his Residence in a Palace of modern Architecture . Near this place the Arch-Duke Maximilian , when he came with an Army to seize the Crown of Poland , was shamefully repuls'd by John Zamoiski , who immediately afterwards built a Town in that Neighbourhood , calling it after his own Name ,

Zamoisk . Zamoisk , well defended by high Walls , deep Ditches , and other strong Fortifications , after the modern Manner . He likewise built a fair Cathedral here , and enrich'd it with all manner of Necessaries ; also a noble Academy , furnish'd with Learned Masters from the famous University of Cracow . This Person was so great a favourer of Learning . that not only Zamoisk , but also several other Places of the Province of Russia found the Effects of his Bounty .

Ratno . Ratno , a wooden Town , built among the Marshes , with a Castle wash'd by the River Perepet on one side , and defended on the other by a Bog and the Niester . It lies bout twenty four Miles from Chelm .

Lynbowlya . Lynbowlya , a Town upon the Bug , with a tolerably fortify'd Castle .

Senators of Chelm . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Bishop and Castellan of Chelm .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate are a Bear Argent passant between three Trees proper in a Field Or.

V. PROVINCE . The Fifth PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Masovia , situate almost in the Heart of the Kingdom of Poland , and bounded on the North Its Bounds . by Prussia , on the East by Lithuania , on the South by Upper Poland , and on the West by Lower Poland . It was formerly govern'd by its own Princes , but in the Year 1526 ▪ by the Death of its Dukes John and Stanislaus , that Dutchy fell to the Kings of Poland . The Inhabitants . Inhabitants hereof are generally Warlike : They speak the same Language with the Poles , only they differ in some few guttural Accents : Their Manners , Habits and Religion are much the same . This Province is divided into three Palatinates , which are , Division . The Palatinates of Masovia , properly so call'd . Ploczkow , and Dobrina .

I. Palatinate . The first Palatinate of this Province is that of

Masovia properly so call'd , which in spiritual Matters is subject only to the Bishop of Posnan , but in Temporal is divided into twelve Districts , viz. The Districts of Warsaw , Wisna , Cyrna , Zembrow , Nuren , Wissegrod , Zakrow , Cickanow , Lombze , Rozan , Makow , and Liw .

In all which the principal Cities and Towns are those of the same Name with the Districts , adding moreover these following , viz.

Pultovia , Czerniensk , Czersko , Akroczim , Varka , Blonye , Pultowsko , Tarcin , Grodzyec , Prasniz , Garvolinia , Vengrovia , Stanislanovia , Broc , Viskow , and Seroicz .

Cities and Towns of The chief City of all which , and Metropolis of the Province is

Warsaw . Warsaw , defended with a Castle , Wall and Ditch , seated in a Plain in the very Center of the Kingdom , and therefore pitch'd upon for the convening of the Diet. It lies upon the River Vistula , in the 43 d degree of Longitude , and 52 of Latitude , and is divided into four Parts , viz. The Old and New Town , with The Suburbs of Cracow , and Prag .

This City is adorn'd with divers stately Piles of Buildings , particularly a spacious four-square Palace founded by Sigismund III. and much improv'd by his Successors , where the Kings of Poland most commonly reside . Opposite to this on the other side of the River , stands another Royal Palace in the middle of delightful Groves and Gardens , built by Vladislaus VII . and call'd by the Name of Viasdow , where the States or Diet of Poland formerly us'd to sit and debate the most important Affairs of the Kingdom . There is moreover the Palace of King John Casimir , as likewise a very stately one built by Count Morstin , Great Treasurer of Poland . Also a League from this City King John Sobieski built a neat Country Palace by the Name of Villa Nova . The other Publick Edifices are no less remarkable , being the Church of St. John Baptist , where Secular Canons officiate ; the Arsenal , Castle , Market-place , &c. Divers kinds of Merchandizes are convey'd hither along a River from the neighbouring Provinces , and from hence carried to Dantzic to be transported into Foreign Countries . In the Suburbs of Cracow is a small Chappel built on purpose for the Burial of John Demetrius Suski , Great Duke of Muscovy , who died Prisoner in the Castle of Gostinin , together with his two Brothers . This City was taken by the Swedes in the Year 1655 , and is scarce three Polish Miles distant from Lesser Poland , about twenty four from Lanschet , as many North-East of Lublin , twenty nine South-East of Thorn , thirty to the North from Sendomir , thirty three West of Gnesna , and forty to the North-East from Cracow and Posnan .

Wisna . Wisna , a Town in a Plain near the River Narew , with a Castle upon an adjoining Hill .

Wissegrod . Wissegrod , a Wooden Town built in a Plain near the Vistula , with a considerable Castle : It lies about twelve Miles from Warsaw .

Ciekanow . Ciekanow , about the same distance from Warsaw , being a Town built in a Plain likewise , with a Castle among the Marshes .

Lombze . Lombze , a large City upon the navigable River Narew , consisting of fair Buildings , and about twenty Miles from Warsaw .

Rozan . Rozan , a Town built in a Plain near the River Narew .

Liw . Liw , a Timber-built Town , with a Castle founded on the Banks of the River Liwijecz .

Pultovia . Pultovia , famous for being the Residence of the Bishop of Plosko . It is a Town built with Brick , with a good Castle , and some other tolerable Edifices .

Czerniensk . Czerniensk , a large Wooden Town built on the Vistula .

Akroczim . Akroczim , a Wooden Town likewise seated on the Vistula , with a Castle . It is about eight Miles from Warsaw .

Varka . Varka , a large Town built in a Plain near the River Pilza , and about eight Miles from Warsaw another way .

Blonye . Blonye , a Town about four Miles from Warsaw .

Pultowsko . Pultowsko , a Wall'd Town with a Castle , situate on the River Narew .

Tarcin . Tarcin , a Timber-built Town , about five Miles from Warsaw .

Grodzyec . Grodzyec , about seven Miles from Warsaw , and two from Tarcin .

Prasniz . Prasniz , a large Town , intermix'd with a great many fair Stone Edifices . Senators of the Pal. of Masovia .

The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatine of Masovia . The Castellans of Cyrna , Warsaw , Wisna , Wissegrod , Zakrow , Ciekanow , and Liw .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate , are an Eagle expanded Argent in a Field Gules .

II. Palatinate . The second Palatinate of the Province of Masovia is that of

Ploskow , lying towards the East between the Vistula and Prussia . It is divided into four Districts , viz. The Districts of Ploczkow , Zancren , Mlava , and Stenen .

In all which are these principal Cities and Towns viz. , Ploczkow Bish. Cap. Sieprcz , Srensko , Mlaw , and Radzanow .

The Capital of all which is

Ploczko . Ploczkow , or Ploczko , Metropolis of the Palatinate of that Name , which stands on a high Bank of the Weissel or Vistula , from whence one may have a very fair Prospect of a pleasant and fruitful Country . This City is considerably inrich'd by the Navigableness of its River , is very populous , and has been long dignified with a Bishop's See . Besides the Cathedral , there are divers other Churches and Monasteries richly endow'd , especially the Abby of Benedictins in the Suburbs , where amongst other Relicks , the Head of St. Sigismund is kept in Gold which was given by King Sigismund III.

Sieprcz . Sieprcz , a Wooden Town built on a Hill among the Marshes , and about five Miles from Ploczkow .

Srensko . Srensko , a Timber-built Town , seated in a Plain , with a Castle founded among the Bogs . This Place is about ten Miles from Ploczko .

Mlaw . Mlaw , a Town built on the Confines of Prussia , and wash'd by the River of its own Name . It is also about ten Miles from Ploczkow .

Radzanow . Radzanow , a Timber-built Town on the River Vkra , with a Castle founded upon a Rock amongst the Marshes . This Town is about eight Miles from Ploczkow .

Senators of Ploskow . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Bishop Palatin and Castellan of Ploskow . The Castellans of Sieprcz , and Radzanow .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate , are an Eagle expans'd Sables with a P on the Breast : All in a Field Gules .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of the Province of Masovia , is that of

Dobrina , lying towards the West between Cujavia and Prussia : It abounds with all sorts of Fruit and Fish , and is divided into three Districts , viz. The District of Dobrina , Ripin , and Slonsk .

In all which are these principal Cities and Towns , viz.

Dobrina , Cap. Ripin , Slonsk , and Gorzno .

Cities and Towns of The Capital City of this Palatinate is

Dobrina . Dobrina , a Timber-built City , seated on a Rock near the River Vistula . It had formerly a Castle which was demolish'd by the Teutonick Knights .

Ripin . Ripin , a Wooden Town , built in a Plain on the River Odleck : It is about five Miles from Dobrina .

Slonsk . Slonsk , a Town in a Plain , situate upon the River Vistula , and about two Miles from Dobrina .

Gorzno . Gorzno , or Gurzno , a Wood-built Town , tolerably well defended by Nature and Art : It is about six Polish Miles from Dobrina .

This Palatinate was formerly the cause of frequent Wars between the Poles , Teutonick Knights , and Prussians .

Senators of Dobrina . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Castellans of Dobrina , Ripin , and Slonsk .

It s Arms. The Arms and Standard of this Palatinate , are a Man's Head proper , doubly crown'd Or and Argent : All in a Field Gules .

VI. PROVINCE . The Sixth PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Samogitia , having in it no Palatinate , tho many Capitanies , of which the chief Starosta is he of the Province who has a Place in the Senate , tho no other of the same Dignity have the like throughout the whole Kingdom , except he be otherwise qualified . This Province is indifferently large and fruitful , tho it be very much over-run with Woods . To the North it is bounded by Curland and the Its Bounds . Baltic Sea : On the West it has Ducal Prussia and the Baltic ; and towards the South and East it borders on Lithuania . It has several Cities as well belonging to the King as the Gentry , which for the most part are all built with Wood. This Province takes its Name from its Situation , which is low and marshy ; the word Samogitz in the Language of this Country denoting as much . It abounds with Lakes and inaccessible Mountains , yet affords great quantities of Honey , purer than that either of Lithuania or Livonia , and breeds Horses which are very much admir'd for their Swiftness . The ordinary People here live in Manners of the People . Cottages for the most part seated near Lakes or Rivers , and cover'd either with Thatch or Boards . They plough the Ground not with Iron but Wood , tho the Soil be most commonly fat and stiff ; which Custom they are addicted to even to Superstition : for when a certain Starosta of that Country thought to introduce Iron Plowshares among them , and the Season not happening to prove as kind as usual , they attributed all the cause to this change of Instrument ; whereupon they were permitted to return to their old way for fear of an Insurrection . Their Horses are generally so small , that one would wonder how they could undergo the Fatigue they put 'em to . Most of the Inhabitants of this Country differ little in Manners , Habit or Language from the Lithuanians ; yet some of them still retain several Idolatrous Worships , especially Their Superstition . in the Deserts , where they pay Devotion to a four-footed Serpent , under the Name of Givosit ; and you 'll hardly find a Family in these Parts without one of these Houshold Gods . Nay , even at this day in many Villages both of Prussia and Lithuania , the poor Peasants , altho they profess Christianity , yet keep Adders in their Houses , to which they pay a more than ordinary Veneration , imagining that some great Mischief would befal them if these Idols should come to any harm . To be more particular with this Country , your Lordship may understand that their Houses ( except only those of the Gentry ) are built low and long-ways , with an Hearth in the middle , and but one Room , which serves not only for themselves but their Cattel . The better sort drink out of Horn Cups , and eat out of Wooden Platters . The Honey here is extraordinary , having but little Wax ; and some of it is perfectly white , with which the Woods are every where almost lin'd . Manrer of sacrificing . The manner of the Pagan Sacrifices and Feasts in Samogitia kept at this day about the end of October , is as follows . First , the Place of meeting being assign'd , the Men with their Wives , Children and Servants , punctually appear thereat , when spreading a Cloth upon the Straw , several Loaves are set in due order , and between each Loaf a large Pot of Beer ; then Beasts of divers kinds both Male and Female are brought in , and sacrific'd after the antient Custom , thus . First , the Augur or Priest , after having mumbled over some few words , strikes 'em with a Wand he holds in his hand on the Back , Belly , &c. when all that are present likewise follow his Example , crying out , O Zimiennick ! ( for so they call their God ) these Offerings we make to thee for protecting us so mercifully hitherto , and we most humbly implore thee to have the like Compassion on us for the future , as to preserve us from Fire , Sword , Pestilence and our Enemies : Which said , they immediately fall to , but first cut off a bit from every Plate , and throw 'em about the Room , crying , O Zimiennick , graciously partake of our Sacrifices , and favour thy Adorers ! After which they eat and drink heartily , and so the Ceremony concludes . These Sacrifices are also still observ'd by the Country-People in several places of Lithuania and Russia . This Province is divided into three Districts , which are , The Districts of Rosienia , Mednick , and Poniviess .

In all which are these principal Towns , viz.

Rosienia , Cap. Mednick , Poniviess , and Cowna .

Towns of The Capital of all which is

Rosienia Rosienia , a small ill-built Town , tho the chief of the Province of Samogitia , being seated on the River Dubiss , about twelve Polish Miles from Cowna to the North , thirty from Riga , and twenty seven from Vilna to the West .

Mednick . Mednick , somewhat better built than the former , and famous for a Suffragan's See belonging to the Arch-bishop of Gnesna . This Town is seated on the River Wirwitz .

Poniviess . Poniviess , Capital only of the District of that Name .

Cowna . Cowna , situate on the River Niemen , and famous for a College of Jesuits , and several considerable Monasteries . This Town was formerly much frequented by the German Merchants , who built here divers splendid Edifices both with Stone and Brick , which the Inhabitants have since imitated , and in some things excell'd .

Senators of Samogitia . The Senators of this Province are , The Bishop Starosta , and Castellan of Samogitia .

VII . PROVINCE . The Seventh PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Volhynia , which is divided into two large Districts , viz. The Districts of Luccoria , and Cremen .

In both which are these principal Cities and Towns , viz. Lutzko Bish. Cap. of Luceoria . Vlodimir , or Woldzimiers . Krzemenec , Cap. of Cremen . Brodi , Olika , Constantinow , Zsbarasz , Ostropium , Wisniovec , Zaslaw , Basilea , Miedirecz , Rubesow , Dubna , Czartorisk , Olesk , and Krilow .

Cities and Towns of The Capital City of the District of Luceoria , and Metropolis of Volhynia , is that of

Lutzko . Lutzko , or Luzuk , a Timber-built City , situate on the Banks of the River Ster , near a Lake which encompasses part of the Castle . It is hardly seven Miles from the Frontiers of Red Russia to the East , and twenty from Leopol to the North-East . It is a large City , and is an Episcopal See , and the Residence of a Bishop subject to the Metropolitan of Gnesna . The Cathedral and Chapter-house are in one of the Castles , there being two built on adjoining Hills near this City . Here likewise resides a Russian Bishop .

Ulodimir . Vlodimir , a Wooden Town , with Wooden Fortifications , and built among the Marshes . It lies not far from Lutzko , and is the Residence of a Russian Bishop with a considerable Jurisdiction .

Krzemenec . Krzemenec , Capital of the District of Cremen , a large Timber City with a Wooden Castle and Mud Walls .

Brodi . Brodi , a Town built by Stanislaus Konicepoliski , Castellan of Cracovia , with strong Fortifications , a Collegiate Church , and a publick Academy .

Olika . Olika , a Town belonging to the House of Radzivil , adorn'd with a fair Cathedral , and Academy for all sorts of Arts and Sciences .

Constantinow . Constantinow , adorn'd and defended by a well-fortified Castle .

Zsbarasz . Zsbarasz , formerly a Free City , with a Territory or District of its own , but now subject to that of Cremen .

Senators of Volhynia . The Senators of this Province are , The Bishop of Luceoria . The Palatin , and The Castellansof Volhynia .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Province of Volhynia are Party per Pale , Argent and Azure , the former containing the Arms of Lithuania .

VIII . PROVINCE . The Eighth PROVINCE of this Kingdom is

Podlachia , a large Province and Palatinate , bounded on the West by Masovia , and on the Its Bounds . East by Lithuania , to which it formerly belong'd till Sigismundus Augustus in the Year 1569 united it to Poland . In Spiritual Matters it is wholly subject to the Bishop of Luceoria , but as to Temporal it is divided into three Districts , viz. The Districts of Byclsko , Drogiczynen , and Mielnick .

In all which there are these Principal Cities and Towns , viz. Byelsko , Cap. Drogiczin , Myelnick , Tykoczin , Knyssin , Augustow , Mordi , Wasilkow , Narew , Bransko , Visokie , and Holovacz .

Cities and Towns of Of all which the Capital is

Byelsko . Byelsko , a large Timber-built City , Metropolis of this Province , and seated on the River Byala dividing it from Lithuania . It s Castle was burnt down by Lightning , and never since rebuilt .

Drogiczin . Drogiczin , Capital of the District of that Name , and built on a small Rising near the River Bug. This City is famous for a Court of Justice , wherein the Causes of the Gentry are tried . It lies about ten Miles from Bielsko , and thirty from Warsaw .

Myelnick . Mielnick , a Town on the Bug likewise , only famous for being Capital of its District . It is about five Miles from Drogiczin .

Tykoczin . Tykoczin , a Town built in a Plain upon the River Narew . It has a Castle well fortified both by Art and Nature , being surrounded by vast Bogs , and defended every way with several large Cannon . Here part of the King's Treasure is kept ; and here likewise Sigismundus Augustus caus'd Money to be coin'd . It lies about ten Miles from Byelsko , and forty two from Vilna .

Knyssin . Knyssin , a Wood-built Town , seated among Marshes and Woods . Here the King has a Palace , and a very large Park , abounding with Deers of all sorts ; and huge Fish-ponds , replenish'd with all kinds of fresh-Water Fish .

Augustow . Augustow a very large City , built by Sigismundus Augustus , and which lies about twenty Miles from Byelsko .

Mordi . Mordi a Timber-built Town , seated on a very large Lake , and about five Miles from Drogiczin .

Wasilkow . Wasilkow a Wood-built Town on the River Narew , where the King 's Starosta resides .

Narew . Narew situate in the midst of Woods , and near the River of that Name . This Town lies about four Miles from Byelsko .

Bransko . Bransko built on the River Nar , only famous for a Court of Justice held there . It lies about three Polish Miles from Byelsko .

Suras . Suras a Town built at the foot of a Hill near the River Narew . It has a Castle which commands the Town .

Senators of the Province of Podlachia . The Senators of this Province are , The Palatine , and Castellan of Podlachia .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Province are Party per Pale , Argent and Gules : In the former the Arms of Lithuania , and in the latter an Eagle Expans'd of the first .

Thus far , my Lord , have I trac'd the Extent of Poland , and the Divisions of its Provinces , and have taken notice of what I have both observ'd and heard to be most remarkable in them ; whereby your Lordship may find that this vast Kingdom is not so contemptible as we of the Western Parts of Europe have imagin'd : for this Country abounds with all Necessaries to support it self , both in Peace and War , without the help of its Neighbours ; and had it been as well improv'd by Art , and enrich'd by Trade , as it is made fruitful by Nature , it would doubtless have been able to vie with any Kingdom in Europe : Which the King of France , and other Princes , are now sensible of , since they have profusely spent vast Sums of Money , to advance either themselves or Friends to that Crown , tho they were no ways certain of Success , knowing , that let the Sums they spent be ever so considerable , they would be fully recompens'd when they obtain'd their Ends ; for a King of Poland can raise as considerable an Army , and that chiefly of Horse , as any Christian Prince . He has ever had a great Reputation with the Eastern Princes ; and considering their History , I find as remarkable Transactions and Exploits in the Lives of the Kings of Poland , as in any other History whatever .

I must confess , the Poles have not been such refin'd Politicians , nor so prudently manag'd their own Interest as some of their Neighbours have done ; for by their ill Conduct , and supine Negligence , they have lost the best Part of their Antient Dominions : which yet has hapned to them , neither on account of their Deficiency in Courage or Bravery ; but at present the Poles beginning to enquire into the State of Foreign Countries , and into their Maxims of Government , they are become more Vigilant and Political , and are likely , under the Command of their present King , as well to retrieve their Honour , as recover their lost Dominions .

I would , my Lord , have presented you with a great many other entertaining Matters relating to the Geography and Natural History of this Country , had I either seen them my self , or been secure of the Relation of others ; but I would rather chuse to be deficient in this Account , than to give your Lordship just reason to believe that I were too credulous . I am ,

My LORD , Your Lordship 's most obedient humble Servant , B. C.

LETTER VI. To GEORGE STEPNEY Esq ; late Envoy Extraordinary from his Majesty to the Electors and Princes of the Empire .

Of the Origin and Extent of the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , with the Succession of its Great Dukes , and Description of its chief Towns and Provinces .

SIR ,

THE Zeal you have shew'd for his Majesty's Service in your Ministry at the Courts of the Empire , and the Reputation I found you left behind you in those Places , to the Honour of so great a Master , deserve not only the repeated Proofs of his usual Bounty , and the Choice he wisely made of you a second time to represent his Royal Person , but likewise the Esteem of all those that are acquainted with your Merits . To pretend to inform you of the Constitution of any State in Europe , would not be only the calling in question your Experience in Foreign Affairs , and your undoubted Knowledg in Politicks , but likewise exposing my own Judgment to the just Censure of the World . Wherefore , Sir , thinking by our late Discourse about Poland , that nothing could be new to you , but what was either very remote or very antient ; I will endeavour only to give what I know of the Origin and Extent of the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , which is that vast Tract of Land that lies between the Kingdom of Poland , and the Frontiers of Moscovy .

Lithuania how call'd by the Inhabitants . The Great Dutchy of LITHUANIA , call'd by the Inhabitants Litwa , tho subject to the King of Poland , as Scotland to the King of England , yet is a distinct Nation from this Kingdom , having different Customs , a different Dialect , and particular Privileges , tho one Diet serves them both . It lies between It s present Bounds . Moscovy on the East , Livonia , the Baltic Sea , and part of Moscovy to the North ; Samogitia , Prussia and Podlachia to the West ; and Russia , Volhynia and Podolia towards the South . It extends near ninety German Miles in length , that is , from the Borders of the Palatinate of Lublin to the Confines of Livonia , and about eighty in breadth from the River Niemen to the Nieper . In the time of Antient Extent . its Great Duke Vitoldus it was of much larger Extent , for then it reached from the Euxine Sea to almost all along the Baltic .

Soil and Products . This Province is a flat and Champain Country , formerly all over-run with Woods , and of which a great Number still remain : Yet what with the Industry of the Inhabitants , and the Peace they have enjoy'd ever since Sigismund the First 's time , it is now very fruitful , and produces all sorts of Grain ; as likewise affords great quantities of Honey , Pitch ▪ Tar and Timber , with good store of Fish and Flesh : Nevertheless the Air is generally unhealthy , which occasions many places to be little inhabited , and some quite Desert .

Vnion with Poland , and Privileges . This great Dutchy was only begun to be united to Poland by Jagello , in the Year 1386 ; for tho that Union was afterwards renew'd at Grodno in the Year 1413 , yet Lithuania still retain'd its own proper Dukes till the Year 1501 , when the great Duke Albert was chosen King of Poland , by whose means this Country became absolutely under the Dominion of that Crown , and which was afterwards confirm'd by a Diet held at Lublin in 1569 , under the Reign of Sigismundus Augustus , where it was agreed that Lithuania should enjoy its own peculiar Laws and Privileges , and be constituted a part of the Polish Common-wealth ; insomuch that nothing of Importance was for the future to be transacted therein , without the voluntary Concurrence of these States .

Division . This Country consists of two Parts , viz. 1. Lithuania properly so call'd ; and , 2. Lithuanic , or White - Russia . Both which are divided into several Palatinates , and those again into Districts ; and all of them may be properly term'd Dutchies , each having formerly had its peculiar Duke .

Arms. The Arms or Standard of Lithuania are , Party per Pale , Gules and Azure : In the former a Horse in full career Argent , with a Warrior insiding Proper , brandishing a Sword over his head . And in the second the Virgin Mary with our Saviour in her Arms , surrounded by a Glory .

Before I proceed to a Topographical Description of this State , I hope a short Account of the Origin of Lithuania , with the Lives and most remarkable Actions of the several Dukes , and Great Dukes of that Dutchy , Samogitia , &c. may not be unacceptable , which are as follows .

Lithuania , whence so called . Lithuania , as Guagnini thinks , took its Name from this Occasion . When the first Prince thereof Palaemon left Italy , on account of Nero's Tyranny , he together with several of his Countrymen , fled , by a long Voyage , into these Parts : Where after some time having been saluted Prince by the Inhabitants thereof , he call'd their Country after the Name of his own , La Italia ; which in process of time , by mixing with the Idiom of those Barbarians , might ( as he says ) have degenerated into Lithuania . Others will have it to be so nam'd from the Latin word Littus a Shoar , because , say they , this Prince settled along the Shoar of the Baltic Sea before Different Opinions . he descended into Lithuania . To confirm this Prince's Expedition into this Country , there are several Italian and Latin words intermixt with its present Language . As likewise most of the Noble Families have great similitude with the Roman Names , tho the Vulgar sort are altogether Sclavonian . Notwithstanding this Assertion , Hartknoch , with several others , positively affirm , that this Country had its Name from Littuo , one of the Alani , a certain Duke therefore long before Palaemon's Voyage : So that from Littuo Alanus they call'd his Country Littualania , which afterwards was contracted to Lithuania .

Palamon . Palaemon first Duke of Lithuania being descended from the Roman Patricii , after having undergon great Dangers , and effected many glorious Enterprizes , died peaceably , leaving three Nephews Borcus , Cunossus and Spera , all which separately succeeded him in his Dominions .

Borcus . Borcus took for his Share part of Samogitia , where he built a Castle on the River Juria , a Branch of the Niemen , and call'd it after his own Name , and that of the River whereon it stood , Jurburg , which continues even at this day .

Cunossus . Cunossus extending his Dominion a different way , built Kunossow another Castle , calling it after his own Name , and which remains to this day .

Spera . Spera likewise built a Castle near the River Swenta , where he began his Reign .

At length Borcus and Spera dying , Cunossus seiz'd on both their Dominions ; but soon after di'd also , and left two Sons , Kyernus and Gybutus ; whereof

Kyernus . Kyernus settled in Lithuania , and built the Castle Kyernow , which he made the Place of his Residence ; and

Gybutus . Gybutus resided in Samogitia , which he likewise govern'd . Both these Brother 's joining together , made huge Devastations in Russia , and carried away great Booty ; but upon their return home , found Samogitia serv'd the like Sauce by the Livonians : To revenge which , they forthwith enter'd Livonia , and burnt and plunder'd all that Country wherever they came .

Kyernus dying , was succeeded in Lithuania Zivibundus . Muntwil . by his Son Zivibundus , and Gybutus in Samogitia by his Son Muntwil ; which last having reign'd but little , dy'd and left his Son

Uikint . Vikint to succeed him in Samogitia ; but

Zivibundus . Zivibundus liv'd a great while after , and prov'd no small Victor over the Russians and Tartars : for being willing to shake off the Russian Yoke , he sent his Brother Wikinti Erdzivil . Erdzivil to invade that Country ; who so far succeeded as to take the City and Castle of Novogrodec , and to fix the Seat of a Dutchy there : And after proceeding further , he built the strong Castle of Grodno on the River Niemen . Then he descended into Podlachia , where he took several Towns , and soon reduced all that Province . Afterwards he conquer'd Kurdassus Prince of the Tartars , at a Town call'd Mozera , near the River Okuniowka . This Erdzivil , after many Heroick Actions , and succeeding his Brother Zivibundus , di'd and left two Sons , Mingailus and Algimuntus , and divided his Dominions between them .

Algimuntus . Algimuntus chose for his part Samogitia ; and

Mingailus . Mingailus rul'd over Lithuania and Polocz ; which last Country he took from the Russians , and likewise extended his Dominion over all the Dutchy of Novogrodec . This Duke died , and left two Sons , Skirmunt and Ginvil .

Skirmunt . Skirmunt having perform'd his Father's Obsequies , enter'd upon the Government of Lithuania , with the Dutchy of Novogrodec . And

Ginvil . Ginvil by natural Right seiz'd upon Polocz ; which having govern'd for some time , he died and left to his Son

Boris . Boris , who rul'd a great while in Polocz , and built a famous Church there with Brick , calling it Sancta Sophia . He likewise founded several other famous Edis●●ces , with the Town and Castle of Borissow upon the River Beresina . To him succeeded his Son

Basilius Rechwold . Basilius Rechwold , who liv'd to a great Age , and left behind him a Son called Hlebus , and a Daughter nam'd Poroskavia .

Hlebus and Poroskavia . Hlebus surviv'd his Father but a little while , and

Poroskavia wholly devoted her self to the Greek Religion ; but afterwards went to Rome where she died , and was Canonized for a Saint . Now to return to the Dukes of Lithuania .

Skirmunt obtain'd great Conquests over the Tartars and Russians , and dying , left his Uncle

Kukovoitus . Kukovoitus to succeed him in Lithuania and Samogitia ; who having govern'd a good while , died , and left his Dominions to his Son-in-Law

Giedrussus . Giedrussus who had marri'd his Daughter Poiata . This Duke dying , left for his Successor his Son

Ringolt . Ringolt , who having perform'd his Father's Funeral-Rites after the Pagan manner , enter'd upon the Government of Lithuania and Samogitia . Against this Duke the Russians , join'd ●●y the Tartars , march'd with great fury to reduce him to pay Tribute ; but he timely opposing them with equal Force , gave them a signal Overthrow near Mohilna on the River Niemen . At length this Ringolt , famous likewise for several other Victories , died and left his Dominions to his Son

Mindog , 1240. Mindog , or Mendog , in the Year 1240 , who had various Conflicts with the Dukes of Smolensko and Volhynia , both which at last he totally subdu'd . He likewise fought several Battels with Boleslaus the Chast King of Poland , and Daniel Emperor of Moscovy , in most of which the Christians were worsted with great slaughter . He frequently made Incursions into Masovia , Dobrina , Cujavia , &c. and return'd with great Booty . He also had bloody Wars with the Teutonic Knights of Prussia and Livonia : But at length in the Year 1252 , being over-perswaded by the then Great Master Henricus de Zalcza , he gave up all his Dominions to that Order , in acknowledgment of several Honours and Services done him , and moreover consented to turn Christian , and afterwards sent to Rome to pay his Devoir to that See . Whereupon Innocent IV. deputed his Brother Heinderic to consecrate him King . But whether it were that Mindog repented the loss of his Dominions , or for any other Cause , it is certain that he refus'd to receive this Nuncio ; and the very same Year , together with all his Country , returned to their former Idolatry . Nevertheless Acknowledg'd King . the Teutonic Knights suffer'd him to continue King , and under him , in conjunction with the Lithuanians , Samogitians , &c. invaded Masovia , and made great Havock of that Country . But afterwards Mendog being unmindful any farther of the Civility of those Knights , turn'd his Arms against their Country , destroying most of their Cities , and returning with great Spoils .

Next Mendog having gathered together a great Army , and being likewise assisted by Swarno Duke of Russia , marched against Semovitus Duke of Masovia , whom together with his Son Conrade , he surpriz'd in his Palace of Jasdow ; where Swarno struck off Semovitus his Head with his own hand ; but Conrade was preserv'd by Mendog , and afterwards ransom'd by his Countrymen . Soon after this the Lithuanians and Russians having made great Devastations in Masovia , retir'd with the Spoils and Captives into their several Countries . The next Year the same People not being content with their former Irruptions , march'd again into Masovia ; but scarce finding any thing left to prey upon by reason of their last Year's Work , they only burnt and plunder'd a House belonging to the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , and so return'd home .

At length Heaven thought fit to favour the Polish Christians , by taking away King Mindog , who was murder'd by his Nephew K. Mindog murder'd . Stroinat , and his Son-in-Law Dowmant , in the Year 1263.

Stroinat , 1263. Stroinat begun his Reign in the Year 1263 , by the murder of his Brother Towcivil Duke of Polocz ; but not long afterwards Woisalk Son of Mendog , tho then a Russian Monk , being mindful of his Father's Death , depriv'd him also of Life , and immediately seiz'd on his Dominions .

Woisalk , 1264. Woisalk took upon him only the Title of Duke , and began his Government with frequent Irruptions into Poland , Mascovia and Prussia : But in the Year 1267 , endeavouring to subdue Russia , he was circumvented by Leo Duke thereof , ( who built Leopol ) and slain in the Monastery of Wrowsko .

Great Dukes of Lithuania . With him the Family of the Dukes of Lithuania being extinct , Vtenus , or Vcienus , Utenus . descended from the Kitauri , Princes in that Country , was unanimously elected first Great Duke of Lithuania and Samogitia ; who having had divers Wars with the Russians and Prussians , died , and left his Dominions to his Son

Swintorohus . Swintorohus , who reigning but little , tho very well , died , and left behind him his Son

Germontus . Germontus , who rul'd also a very little while , and was succeeded by his Son

Trahus . Trahus , who govern'd well both in War and Peace for some time , and built a Town and Castle after his own Name . This Great Duke left behind him five Legitimate Children , viz. Narimundus , Dowmantus , Holsanus , Giedrutus , and Troidenus , who all separately succeeded their Father in his Dominions .

Narimundus . Narimundus the Eldest had for his part the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , with Samogitia ; both which he had a Right to by the Prerogative of his Birth . He translated the Ducal Seat from Novogrodec to Kiernow . His first Wars were in conjunction with his Brothers upon Poland , Russia , Masovia and Prussia . Then he declar'd War against his Brother Dowmant for taking away his Wife , whom he soon recovered , and drove his Brother out of his Dominions ; who flying to the Russians of Polocz , was universally receiv'd for their Prince .

This Duke is recorded , in the Russian Annals , to have been the first Inventor of the Lithuanian Arms ; which are in a Field Gules , a Person arm'd Cap-a-pe , Sables , riding full speed on a Horse Argent , and flourishing a Sword over his head of the third . To him succeeded his Brother Troidenus ; but first an Account of the other Brothers .

Dowmant . Dowmant had for his Share the District of Cosnia , where he built the Castle of Vcian .

Holsanus . Holsanus , the third Brother , was allotted his Division beyond the River Wilia towards the East .

Giedrutus . Giedrutus , or Giedrotus , the fourth Brother , built a Castle upon a Lake , calling it after his own Name , and where he fixt the Seat of his Dutchy . Whose Descendants are famous even to this day .

Troidenus . The fifth Brother Troidenus , succeeded Narimundus in Lithuania and Samogitia ; who having gathered together an Army of about 30000 Men , divided them into three Parts ; one whereof he sent against Masovia , and the other two against the Teutonick Knights in Prussia ; where having destroy'd divers Towns , he return'd with a great Booty of Captives and Cattle . The same Year Cujavia was over-run by the Lithuanians . Some small time after which , Dowmant Prince of Polocz , being provok'd to see his younger Brother on his Father's Throne , hir'd three Rusticks to murder him as he went into a Bath ; which they effected . But Dowmant marching with a formidable Army to take possession of Lithuania , was met and vanquish'd by

Rimunt . Rimunt Son to Troidenus ; who thereupon succeeded his Father for a while : but afterwards calling a Diet at Kiernow , he publickly renounc'd his Right , and retir'd to a Monastical Life , constituting

Vithenes , 1281. Vithenes , of the Family of the Kitauri , descended of the Roman Princes , Great Duke . This Prince was a Person of a brave and warlike Spirit . Wherefore Rimunt , when it was demanded of him , Why he put by the Families of his Vncles , Giedrutus and Holsanus ? answered , Because there were none but Children among them , when a Prince of Lithuania ought to correspond with the Arms of that Country , invented by his Vncle Narimund , which were a Warrior on Horseback , arm'd Cap-a-pe , and posting to subdue his Enemies . This Great Duke Vithenes began his Reign in the Year 1281. The Year following he invaded the Palatinate of Lublin , and continued destroying it for fifteen days together ; till at length Lescus the Black , King of Poland , being animated thereto by a Vision , met and fought him between the Rivers Narew and Niemen , where the latter gain'd a signal Victory . In testimony whereof he founded a Parochial Church at Lublin , and dedicated it to St. Michael the Arch-Angel .

1287. In the Year 1287 , the Lithuanians , Prussians , and Samogitians , made a Descent upon Dobrina ; and surprizing the Capital City thereof on Sunday , when its Inhabitants were busi'd at Devotion , kill'd and carry'd away great Numbers of them into Slavery .

1289. Afterwards in 1289 , the Lithuanians , to the number only of 8000 , invaded a part of Prussia , burning , killing , and destroying wherever they came ; but before the Country could make head against them , they were retired with great Spoils . To requite which , next Year the Prussians march'd into Lithuania , where they kill'd and took vast numbers of the Inhabitants , as likewise possessed themselves , under the Conduct of the Commendador of Koningsberg , of the strong Castle Merabde . Afterwards Memer , great Master of Prussia , enter'd Lithuania with a formidable Army , and entirely destroy'd two Districts .

Not long after this Vithenes invaded Cujavia , and burnt and destroy'd all the Country about Bressici , and likewise carried away great Numbers into Captivity .

1293. In the Year 1293 , Conradus Stange , Commendador of Ragneta , took the Castle of Mindog in Lithuania ; which Vithenes soon requited by entring Prussia , and destroying it eighty days together .

1294. Afterwards in 1294 , Vithenes , with a Body only of 1800 Horse , marching thro' Woods and By-roads , surpriz'd a great Concourse of People met in the Collegiate Church of Lanschet , whereof the greatest part he kill'd , and the others , consisting chiefly of Ecclesiasticks , he carri'd away for Slaves . The Church he rob'd , and those that fled he stifled by firing all the House around them . After which marching about the Country , he drove away all their Cattel ; but upon his return , meeting with Casimir Palatine of Lanschet , he was bravely oppos'd for a while , till Numbers suppli'd the defect of Valour , and he entirely routed the Christians near So●●aczow ; which having effected , he return'd peaceably into his Country .

This Vithenes had a Master of the Horse nam'd Gediminus , who being of a haughty and ambitious Temper , conspir'd , together with the Great Dutchess , to take away his Master's Life , which in a short time he brought about ; and having marry'd his Princess , he seiz'd upon the Crown .

Gedeminus . 1300. Gedeminus became Great Duke of Lithuania in the Year 1300 ; in the beginning of whose Reign the Prussian and Livonian Knights , having got together a numerous Army , invaded Samogitia , which they soon over-run , burning and destroying wherever they came , and taking the strong Castle of Kunossow by Assault , wherein they made Prisoner the Grand General of Lithuania . The Year following Gedeminus , to revenge these insupportable Injuries , having rais'd a considerable Body of his own Subjects , together with the Assistance of the Russians and Tartars , march'd directly against the Teutonic Knights ; when meeting them near the River Okmiena , both Armies came to Blows , and so continu'd for several Hours , till at length the Samogitians forsaking the Knights side , came over to Gedeminus ; whose Strength thereby being greatly augmented , as that of his Enemies weakned , he fell furiously in among them , and soon put them to flight . This Victory being thus luckily obtain'd , Gedeminus prosecuted it into the very heart of Prussia , where he found nothing able to withstand him , except only the two Castles of Ragneta and Cilza ; but which nevertheless he took in a short time . Afterwards having made a miserable havock in that Country , as also totally regain'd his Dutchy of Samogitia , he return'd peaceably home .

1304. In the Year 1304 , this Great Duke having a Quarrel with some of the Russian Princes , made great Preparations against them ; when marching forthwith into Russia , he first met and fought Vlodomirus Duke of Volhynia , whom he slew , and routed his whole Army . Then he bent his force against Leo Duke of Luceoria , whom he also vanquish'd , and took his chief City Lutzko : both which Princes being thus defeated , made him absolute Master of all Volhynia . Next Spring , being tir'd out with Idleness , he carry'd his Arms against Stanislaus Duke of Kiovia , whom he overthrew , together with several Princes his Neighbours that came to assist him . With this Victory Gedeminus being not a little encourag'd , proceeded and took most of the Cities and Towns of Russia ; when after having compleated a glorious Conquest , he return'd Triumphantly into his own Country .

Afterwards Gedeminus going to hunt about five Miles beyond the River Wilia , occasionally built a Castle there near a Lake , and a City , naming it Troki , whither he then translated Troki built . his Court from Kicrnow . After this , in the Year 1305 , Gedeminus going a Hunting again towards the East , after various Fortune became greatly fatigu'd with that sport . Whereupon , Night drawing on , he was forc'd to take up a Lodging upon a Mountain , then call'd Krzyunagora , now Turzagoria or Lissa ; where soon falling asleep , he dreamt that he saw and heard roar a huge Iron Wolf , which had above a hundred Wolves of the same Mettle in his Belly , which roar'd likewise after an amazing manner : whereat being extreamly frighted , he wak'd , and next Morning put this Dream to his Courtiers to expound ; when every one having deliver'd his Opinion a different way , at last a Pagan Priest nam'd Ledzieiko ( said to have been found in an Eagle's Nest ) whose Practice was to foretel Futurities , expounded it thus : The Iron Wolf ( quoth he ) denotes a strong City , and the other Wolves in his Belly a formidable Multitude of Inhabitants . Hereupon he immediately advises Gedeminus to build a fortify'd City and Castle there . Whence this Priest came to have the Name of Radzivil , that is , A Counsellor to build Vilna . From this Person 's Family have descended a great many famous Heroes , who have all sufficiently distinguish'd themselves both in times of Peace and War . Gedeminus being easily mov'd by these Persuasions , forthwith erected two Castles near that Place , one on a high Hill , and the other in Vilna built . a Plain ; adding moreover a City call'd Vilna , from the River Wilia , running by it ; which is now very populous , and Capital of that Great Dutchy ; to which City he not long after transferr'd his Residence from Troki .

1306. In 1306 , the Lithuanians having had Intelligence that the Poles were lull'd in Sloth and Security , march'd through Woods and By-roads into Lower Poland , where they burnt and plunder'd Kalisch , with several other Cities and Towns , killing the old People and Children , and carrying the others away Captive . The same Year Henry de Pleczko , a Saxon , Great Master of the Teutonic Order in Prussia , surpriz'd and took the Castle of Gartin in Samogitia , and put all the Lithuanians , found therein , to the Sword . They likewise proceeded in this War by help of the Germans ; and after having totally destroy'd the District of Karsouin , return'd with great Numbers of Spoils and Captives into Prussia .

1307. In 1307 , the Lithuanians made an Irruption into Siradia and Kalisch , where doing a great deal of Mischief , they suddenly return'd into their own Country .

1308. In 1308 , Olgerdus , Son of Gedeminus , march'd with a great Army into Prussia , where he made havock with Fire and Sword where-ever he came , carrying off likewise great Booty . These Favours the Lithuanians and Prussians did frequently and alternatively for one another within the space of few years . In 1315 , the Lithuanians surpriz'd the Territory 1315. of Dobrina , where they made great Devastations , and likewise took the City of that Name , and burnt and plunder'd it . In 1322 , 1322. they likewise enter'd Livonia , laying all wast for many Miles together . In the same Year , in Winter-time , David , Starosta of Gartin , not being discourag'd by Cold , destroy'd that Country up as far as Raval , carrying away great Spoils and many Prisoners . Afterwards , in the same Winter , they took the Castle of Memel , and also enter'd Prussia , and kill'd the Comendador of Capion in a set Battle . David of Gartin likewise invaded Masovia at the same time , and entirely ruin'd a great many Towns and Villages .

1323. In 1323 , the Lithuanians came clandestinely upon Dobrina again , and did a great deal of Damage there . In the following Year the Starosta of Gartin enter'd Masovia again near Ploczko , wherein he destroy'd and burnt above one hundred and thirty Villages , thirty Towns , and carry'd away about four thousand Captives ; whilst another Army made a Descent upon Livonia , and serv'd that Country after the like manner .

1325. In 1325 , Ann Daughter to Gedeminus marry'd Casimir , Son to Vladislaus King of Poland , by which all that had been formerly taken from the Polanders was restor'd , and a Peace concluded between those two Nations .

Afterwards , at the Siege of the Castle of Fribourg , belonging to the Teutonic Knights in Samogitia , this Great Duke Gedeminus receiv'd a Wound with an Arrow which cost His Death . him his Life . This Prince had seven Sons , Viz. Montividus , Narimundus , Olgerdus , Keijstutus , Koriatus , Jauunutus , and Lubartus , with some Daughters , one of which was marry'd as before . Among these Sons , he divided his Dominions while he liv'd ; giving to

Montividus . Montividus his eldest , Kyernow and Slonim , with the Territories thereunto belonging . To

Narimundus . Narimundus his Conquests , and other Acquisitions in Russia . On

Olgerdus . Olgerdus he bestow'd Krewo , and all from thence to Beresina . To

Keijstutus . Keijstutus he gave Samogitia , Troki , Witebsko , &c. To

Koriatus . Koriatus the City of Novogrodec , with its Territories . But on his Beloved

Jauunutus . Jauunutus he conferr'd the Metropolis of Lithuania , Vilna , as also Osmian and Braslaw , together with the supream Command over all his Brothers Dominions .

Lubartus . The youngest Son Lubartus had no share with his Brothers , because by his Marriage with the Duke of Russia's Daughter , in his Father's Life-time , he had obtain'd the Succession to that Dutchy .

Among these Brothers , Olgerdus and Keijstutus being most vex'd to see their younger Brother Jauunutus so highly promoted , conspir'd together , after their Father's Death , to drive him out of Vilna ; for the execution of which , they fix'd a certain time : but Olgerdus happening then to be absent on some extraordinary Occasion , was forc'd to fail of his Appointment . Nevertheless , Keijstutus firmly adhering to his Vow , resolv'd to accomplish the Design alone , and consequently marching secretly towards Vilna , surpriz'd and took it , with both its Castles . When Jauunutus , flying towards a neighbouring Wood , was there taken by Keijstutus his Men ; and being brought back to his Brother , was by him order'd to be clapt in Chains . A little while afterwards Olgerdus returning , Keijstutus would have surrender'd to him the Crown , as being his elder Brother ; but which Olgerdus refus'd , saying , It was due neither to his Fortune nor Merit , and therefore he would not pretend to deserve it by Birth . But at length they both agreed to divide those Dominions between them , and Vilna , with the supream Authority , fell to Olgerdus ; but nevertheless , they both bound themselves by Oath to intrench upon neither's Dominions . To their Brother Jauunutus they yielded the Palatinate of Braslaw in Russia .

Olgerdus . Olgerdus , being thus possess'd of the Throne , began his Reign with invading Prussia and Livonia , where the Teutonic Knights did not dare to oppose him ; so that having over-run all those Countries , and loaded his Army with Spoils , he return'd triumphantly to Lithuania , where he sacrific'd the Captive Knights to his Father's Ghost whom they had kill'd . The same Year Olgerdus march'd silently against the Marquisate of Brandenburg , which he destroy'd and plunder'd up as far as Frankfurt , and all along the Banks of the River Oder .

Next he drove the Tartars out of Podolia , Caminiec built . about which time Caminiec was built by his Brother's Sons . Afterwards Janowitz , Czar of Muscovy , being puff'd up with his great Power , sent to Olgerdus , then lying sick of a Fever at Witebsko , That before a Month were at an end , he would make him such Visit as should fright him into an Ague . To which haughty Message Olgerdus only return'd , That since he knew his Mind , he would prevent his Journey , and wait on him at Moscow . Whereupon leaping out of his Bed , he expos'd his Life to his Honour , ( but which , as it hapned , did well enough , for he recover'd in few days ) and getting speedily together a considerable Army , he march'd forthwith into Moscovy , laid Siege to Moscow , and took it , together with the baffled Czar , whom he forc'd , before he left him , to agree to a dishonourable Peace , and leave him in possession of great part of his Empire . After which he reduc'd the major part of Russia , which he join'd to his Dominions , they having formerly been only wont to pay Tribute to Lithuania .

This Prince had by Mary his Wife twelve Sons , of which Jagello and Skiergelo only were Great Dukes of Lithuania after him . His Brother Keijstutus had six Sons , whereof Vitoldus and Sigismundus came to be Great Dukes of Lithuania .

Jagello 1381. Olgerdus dying in the Year 1381 , Jagello ascended his Throne with consent of his Uncle Keijstutus . This Duke had a favourite Courtier , one Voidilus , a Man of an obscure Descent , and whom he had rais'd from his Baker to be his Secretary and prime Minister . This Person he affected so dearly , that he gave him his Sister in Marriage , which was highly displeasing to his Uncle , who protested earnestly against it : whereupon this subtle Upstart , fearing lest Keijstutus might one day or other put him out of favour with his Prince , he prevail'd with Jagello to look upon his Uncle as his Enemy , and to proceed against him accordingly ; which Jagello , being young , was easily persuaded to do : therefore clapping up a secret Truce with the Teutonic Knights , with whom he was before in War , he made all imaginable Preparations against his Uncle : which Keijstutus being inform'd of , was immediately alarm'd at , till his Son Vitoldus quieted his Suspicions , by persuading him that Jagello would never attempt any such thing : but at length Jagello marching against the Russians of Polocz , which were then his Uncle's Subjects , his design was past all doubt ; and therefore Keijstutus got together what Forces he could upon so short a Warning , and invaded his Nephew's Territories , where he took Vilna , and would have proceeded , had it not been for his Son Vitoldus , who still continu'd Jagello's Friend . But afterwards Keijstutus being busy'd in subduing the Traitor Koributh Jagello , not only retook Vilna , but also besieg'd and gain'd Troki by Treachery ; which Keijstutus marching to recover , he , together with his Son Vitoldus , was betray'd into Jagello's hands by means of his Brother Skergelo , who pretended to bring these two Princes amicably together ; but Jagello having once got his Uncle into his Clutches , detain'd him , and threw him into Chains , and afterwards order'd him to be strangled in his Prison at Kreva . His Cousin German Vitoldus he ungratefully kept a long while in Bonds at Vilna ; who afterwards being remov'd to Kreva , and a time appointed for his Death , escap'd by means of his Wife , who always having free Access to him , by exchanging Habits with one ▪ of her Servants , got her Husband away in her own . Hence he fled to his Kinsman John Duke of Masovia ; but not thinking himself secure there , he afterwards went into Prussia , where at first he was reprov'd by the Knights of the Teutonic Order for having recourse to them only in time of Adversity ; but afterwards he was more courteously receiv'd , and promis'd their Assistance to re-establish him in his paternal Dominions . Whereupon , together with the Samogitians , who favour'd Vitoldus his Interest , they made an Inroad into Lithuania , and took Troki ; but they were afterwards nevertheless forc'd to surrender it . At length Jagello by secret Messages , recall'd his Kinsman out of Prussia ; and upon his Promise to be faithful to him , settled him in his Hereditary Estate . A little while after this , the Throne of Poland becoming vacant by Lewis of Hungary's Death , Jagello was invited thither to accept that Crown under certain Conditions , which may appear more at large in his Life among those Kings .

Whilst Jagello was thus absent in Poland with great Numbers of his Subjects , who went to wait on him into that Kingdom , the Great Masters of Prussia and Livonia finding a fit opportunity , enter'd Lithuania , destroying with Fire and Sword as far as the Castle of Lucom in Russia , which also they took , and having furnish'd with all necessary Defence , plac'd in it Andrew Jagello's Brother , upon whose Request this Expedition had been undertaken . About the same time Swetoslaus , Duke of Smolensko , invaded Russia , and took Mscislaw and several other Places by force ; both which Actions Jagello being soon inform'd of , immediately dispatch'd away his Brother Skirgelo , and Kinsman Vitoldus , into Lithuania ; who finding the Teutonic Army retir'd , forthwith laid Siege to the Castle of Lucom ; which having taken , they proceeded to Mscislaw , which they likewise took , and kill'd Swetoslaus , who was in possession of it . Afterwards having recover'd all the other revolted Dominions which had sided with Duke Andrew , they made him Prisoner ; and carrying him into Poland , he was order'd by his Brother Jagello to be cast into a noisom Dungeon , whence , upon the request of the good-natur'd Vitoldus , he was not long after deliver'd .

After Jagello's Death , tho there were several Great Dukes of Lithuania ; yet seeing they were Tributary to the Kings of Poland , and Lithuania it self was afterwards united to Poland under one Form of Government , I need not insist any longer upon the Succession of its Dukes , since what past remarkable in their Time , is comprehended in the History of the Kings of the Jagellonic Family , who reign'd in Poland from Jagello's time to the late King Michael Wiesnowiski ; therefore I will proceed to enter upon the Geographical Description of this great Dutchy .

The two Provinces of Lithuania contain these Palatinates , Viz.

I. PROVINCE . Lithuania Proper contains the Palatinates of Vilna , Troki , and Briescia or Polesia .

II. PROVINCE . Lithuanic-Russia contains the Palatinates of Novogrodec . Mscislaw . Vitebsko or Witebsko . Minski , and Polocz .

Lithuanic-Russia is commonly call'd Russia-Alba , or White - Russia , either because its Hills are generally cover'd with Snow , and which lasts longer there than in any other Parts of this Country ; or else by reason that the Animals bred there are generally enclin'd to be white , tho in other Countries the same Species be of another Colour . Both these Provinces abound with all manner of Necessaries , besides several Merchandizes , part of which they transport by the River Duna to Riga in Livonia , and part by the River Niemen to Koningsberg in Prussia .

I. Palatinate . The first Palatinate of Lithuania Proper is that of

Vilna , whose Palatin is chief Governour of the City of that Name . This Palatinate comprehends three large Districts , which are The Districts of Osmian , Bratislaw or Braslaw , & Wilkomitz .

In all which are the several Cities and Towns of Vilna Cap. Bish. Osmian , Bratislaw or Braslaw . Wilkomitz , Ikaznia , and Drizwiatz .

Cities and Towns of The chief City of all which , and Metropolis of the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , is

Vilna . Vilna , call'd also Vilenski by the Inhabitants , and Wildaw or Die Wilde by the Germans , and is situated near the Conflux of the Rivers Wilia and Wiln , from whence it has its Name . It lies about 130 Polish Miles from Cracow to the North-East , 48 from Riga to the North , 70 from Warsaw , and a hundred from Smolensko to the East . It is a large and very populous City , well fortify'd with two Castles , whereof one is built in a Plain , and the other on a Hill ; the former wash'd by the River Wilia , and the latter by the Wiln . The first of these Rivers is large and navigable , whereby the Inhabitants transport Merchandizes to Dantzic ; and the other small and inconsiderable . The Houses of this City are generally low and mean , being most built with Wood , except some belonging to the Gentry , others to Foreign Merchants , and several publick Edifices , which are all either of Stone or Brick . Of the two Castles , that on a Hill is very antient , and almost ruin'd ; but the other is a Pile of beautiful modern Architecture . The Churches here are all of Stone , both those belonging to the Roman and Russian Persuasions . The Cathedral stands in the Lower Castle , wherein lies the Body of St. Casimir , canoniz'd by Leo X. ▪ in a large Silver Tomb of great Value . Here also is a very large Bell , like to that of Cracow , which requires above four and twenty strong Men to ring it . Within this Castle is the Archiepiscopal See of the Metropolitan of Russia . Among the other publick Edifices is the Great Duke's Palace , in which is a famous Guard-Chamber , furnish'd with all sorts of Arms ; and about two English Miles from this City stands another Ducal Palace , nam'd from its Situation Rudnick , that is , Near the Water . This Palace is entirely built with Wood , and beautify'd with a Park , pleasant Gardens , Orchards , &c. Next comes the Academy of this City , founded by King Stephen in the Year 1579 , and erected into a University by Gregory XIII . the same Year , at the Request of the Founder Valerian Bishop of Vilna . In this University are six Professors of Divinity , five of Philosophy , four of Laws , and seven of Human Learning . Among the Merchants Houses , there is one particularly neat , erected by the Moscovite Company for the Repository of their Furs , Ermins , and other rich Merchandizes brought from Moscow . Here are also many other fair Edifices , which I pass by for brevity's sake . In this City Guns of all sorts are cast , and likewise divers other Warlike Instruments of excellent Workmanship made . Vilna has the Honour to have a Tribunal for all Lithuania . The Moscovites found means to make themselves Masters of this City in the Year 1655 , but were soon forc'd to surrender it to the Poles , who are at present in possession of it .

Osmian . Osmian , a wooden Town , Capital of its District , about seven Miles from Vilna ; to which belongs a large Jurisdiction , with several eminent Towns .

Bratislaw . Bratislaw or Braslaw , a Timber-built City , situate on a large Lake , with a Castle founded on a Rock . This Place lies about twenty Miles from Vilna with a considerable Jurisdiction .

Wilkomitz . Wilkomitz , a Wood-built Town upon the River Swienta . Here is kept a Court of Justice to try the Causes of the Gentry . To this District belongs a very large Jurisdiction , in which are several considerable Towns belonging to the King , Bishops , and Gentry .

Ikaznia . Ikaznia , a Town built with Wood near a River of the same Name . It lies about three Polish Miles from Bratislaw .

Drizwiatz . Drizwiatz , a Town built on a Lake near a River of the same Name , and about five Miles from Bratislaw .

Senators of Vilna . The Senators of this Palatinate are only The Palatin , and Castellan of Vilna .

For it must here be observ'd , that there are no Minor Castellans in all Lithuania .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate are of four sorts : The first of the Palatinate it self , which are Argent and Azure ; in the former the Arms of Lithuania , and in the latter two Pillars of the first . Besides these , each District has its Arms , which are , First , of Osmian , those of Vilna differing only in changing the Columns or Pillars to erected Swords . That of Bratislaw a Field Gules , with no Charge . Thirdly , That of Wilkomitz the same with that of the Palatinate , changing only the Pillars to the Image of St. Michael .

II. Palatinate . The Second Palatinate of Lithuania Proper , is that of

Troki , which has in it these four large Districts , Viz. The Districts of Grodno , Lida , Cowno , and Vpita .

In all which are these principal Cities and Towns , Viz. Troki , Cap. Grodno , Lida , Cowno , and Vpita .

Cities and Towns of The chief City of all which is

Troki . Troki , otherwise call'd Troccum or Trocum , built with Wood , and seated on a Point of Land that shoots out into a Lake , and which lies about four Miles from Vilna to the West . This City had formerly a strong Wall to defend it , but which was long since destroy'd by the Prussian Knights ; but yet it still has a Castle founded in the Lake , and sufficiently fortify'd both by Nature and Art . Gedeminus , Great Duke of Lithuania , laid the first Foundation of this City , which was the Ducal Seat before it came to be translated to Vilna . The Moscovites storm'd , burnt , and pillag'd this Place in the Year 1655.

Grodno . Grodno , a Timber-built City on the River Niemen or Cronon , having a strong Castle on a Rock near adjoining , founded by King Stephen , who was wont to reside here for conveniency of Hunting . Sigismund III. built a fair Bridg here over the Niemen , which is thought not to have an Equal in all Poland . The Jesuits have a College or Academy in this City for Instructing of Youth . From hence divers kinds of Merchandizes are transported from several Parts of Lithuania to Dantzic . The District of Grodno is indifferently large , having been formerly a considerable Dutchy .

Lida . Lida , a Town , Capital of its District , built with Wood , having in it a tolerable Castle , and a Court of Justice for the Gentry .

Cowno . Cowno , a famous Timber-Town , tho there are several Houses in it built with Stone , situate on the Conflux of the Rivers Niemen and Wilia , with a strong antient Castle founded on a Rock .

Upita . Vpita , a Wood-built Town , and Capital of a very large District , wherein are several Towns .

Senators of Troki . The Senators of this Palatinate are The Palatin , and Castellan of Troki .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate are the Arms of Lithuania in a Field Azure .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of Lithuania Proper , is that of

Briescia or Polesia , adjoining to the Palatinate of Lublin , and partaking in all respects of the Manners thereof . It has but one very large District , which is that of Pinsko .

This Palatinate contains these Cities and Towns , Viz.

Briescia , Pinsko , Biala , Prepetus , Camenecia , Cobrinia , Janovia , Voinia , Rososia , and Vlodava .

Cities and Towns of The chief of all which is

Brescia . Brescia or Briescia , a large wooden City , built on the Confines of Lithuania , on the Banks of the River Bug , with a Timber Castle founded on a Rock , and wash'd by the River Muchavecz . This City is distant about twenty five Miles from Lublin , and thirty from Warsaw to the East . In it is the most famous Academy for Jews of any in Europe , whither that People resort from Italy , Germany , Moravia , Silesia , &c. not only to study , but take Degrees in that Religion . Without this City also is a Regal Palace of Modern Architecture , with variety of pleasant Gardens .

Pinsko . Pinsko , a Timber-built City , and indifferently large , seated on the River Perepet ; which passing by divers Towns in Russia , falls into the Boristhenes . The Inhabitants of this Place are very Industrious , and make frequent Journeys into Muscovy and Germany on account of Merchandizing . They are generally of the Greek Persuasion , and have a Bishop of that Sect who resides among them .

Biala . Biala , famous only for a Palace built by the Dukes of the Family of Radzivil , which is now converted into a College for the Instructing of Youth .

Prepetus . Prepetus , a Town with an old Castle , built on the River of the same Name .

Senators of Briescia . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin , and Castellan . of Briescia .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate are the same with the former , differing only by a B in the middle .

I. Palatinate . The first Palatinate of Lithuanic-Russia , is that of

Novogrodec , which is divided into two Districts , which are The Districts of Novogrodec , and Slonim .

In both which are these principal Cities and Towns , Viz. Novogrodec , Cap. Slonim , Wolkowisko , Lacowickz , Mysza , Zlucz , Rozan , Neswitz , and Selecz .

Cities and Towns of The Capital of all which is

Novogrodec . Novogrodec , a large Timber-City , which formerly belong'd to the second Sons of the Princes of Lithuania . Here interchangeably with the Town of Minski , is held a Parliament for the Great Dutchy of Lithuania .

Slonim . Slonim , a wooden City , whose District was formerly a Dutchy .

Wolkowisko . Wolkowisko , a large Town containing a Court of justice or Tribunal for the Gentry .

Lacowickz . Lacowickz , famous for a very fair Palace , built by a Grand General of Lithuania , and well fortify'd after the Modern way .

Mysza . Mysza , a Town with a Castle , seated by a Lake , and all surrounded by a Plain .

Zlucz . Zlucz , one of the largest Cities in this Country , but nevertheless is all of Wood , except only the Cathedral and Ducal Palace .

This City had not long since a Soveraign Prince with large Territories , but he was always Tributary to Poland . It is at present in possession of the Family of Radzivil .

Rozan . Rozan , a well-built Town with very fair Streets .

Neswitz . Neswitz , where Nicholas Radzivil , surnam'd the Pilgrim , has founded several noble Publick Edifices ; a Description whereof I have omitted for brevity's sake .

Senators of Novogrodec . The Senators of this Palatinate are The Palatin , and Castellan of Novogrodec .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate , are that of the Great Dutchy in an Azure Field .

II. Palatinate . The Second Palatinate of Lithuanic-Russia , is that of

Mscislaw , lying between the River Peripet to the South , and the Boristhenes to the East , in a kind of Triangular form , being , for the most part , either over-run with Woods , or over-flow'd with Water . What plain Land it has , is generally very fruitful . It likewise abounds with Cattle of all sorts , and great Numbers of excellent Fowl , and is divided into two very large Districts , which are The Districts of Mscislaw , and Modziria .

In all which are these Cities and Towns , viz.

Mscislaw , Cap. Modzir , Dambrownuna , Bychow , Kopysz , Sklow , Reczycza , Viszchorod , Strissin , Cleckum , Ouruckum , Homlia , Criczow , and Ostrskum .

Cities and Towns of The Capital of all which is

Mscislaw . Mscislaw , a Timber'd City built on the River Sosa , with a Castle defended by Palisadoes . It lies upon the Borders of Moscovy , and therefore is strongly garison'd . This District was formerly a Soveraignty , but it is now reduc'd .

Modzir . Modzir , a City , Capital of its District , built among the Marshes .

Dambrownuna . Dambrownuna , a Town with a strong Castle built upon the Confines of Moscovy , about fourteen Miles from Smolensko .

Bychow . Bychow , a Town with a Castle seated on the River Boristhenes , about twelve Miles from Mohilow .

Kopysz . Kopysz , a Town with a Castle on the Boristhenes .

Sklow . Sklow , a Town with a Castle on the Boristhenes , reputed to be a County , and of which the magnificent John Chodkiewil writes himself Hereditary Palatin .

Reczycza . Reczycza , a Town with a Castle situate on the Boristhenes .

Viszehorod . Viszehorod , situate upon the Boristhenes about three Miles from Kiow .

Strissin . Strissin , a Town and Castle on the Boristhenes .

Senators of Mscislaw . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Mscislaw .

It s Arms. The Arms and Standard of this Palatinate , are the same with those of the Great Dutchy , differing only in an M plac'd in the middle .

III. Palatinate . The third Palatinate of Lithuanic-Russia is that of

Vitebsko , like the former , bordering upon the Duna towards the East , having but one large District , which is

The District of Orsha .

In this Palatinate are these several Cities and Towns , viz.

Witebsko , Cap. Orsha , Mohilow , Czasniki , Sienno , Leplo , and Woroniec .

The Capital of all which is Cities and Towns of

Witebsko . Witebsko , a Timber-built City , indifferently large , situate on the River Dwina , by which divers sorts of Merchandizes are transported from hence to Riga in Livonia . It has two large Castles well defended both by Nature and Art against the Incursions of the Moscovites , who have been often repuls'd thence with considerable Loss . In this City there are always four Companies of Foot Souldiers , each consisting of 500 Men , one whereof ( says Guagnini ) I my self commanded for near ten Years . This Place lies about fourscore Miles from Vilna , and had formerly a Prince of its own .

Orsha . Orsha , a large Wooden City , defended on one side with sharp and strong Palisadoes , and on the other by the River Boristhenes , together with a Stone Castle wash'd by the River Orshicza . This Place lies about eighteen Miles from Witebsko .

Mohilow . Mohilow , a very large Market-Town much frequented by the Moscovites , whence they transmit their Firs into Poland and Germany .

Czasniki . Czasniki , a Wood-built Town lying on the River Vla .

Sienno . Sienno , a Town with a Castle , about six Miles from Czasniki .

Leplo . Leplo , a Town with a Castle well defended , situate on a Lake , and about seven Miles from Czasniki .

Woroniec . Woroniec , a Town with a Castle lying upon the River Vsacza , and about three Miles from Polocz .

Senators of Vitebsko . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Vitebsko .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate , are the Arms of the Great Dutchy , in a Field Vert.

IV. Palatinate . The fourth Palatinate of Lithuanic-Russia is that of

Minski , which is divided into two Districts , viz. The Districts of Minski , and Borissow .

In both which are these several Cities and Towns , viz.

Minski , Cap. Borissow , Koidanow , Radoskowice , Lohoisko , Swislocz , Bobroisko , Odruczko , Smolniany , and Turkow .

Cities and Towns of The Capital of all which is

Minski . Minski , a large Timber-built City , with a double Wall , a strong Castle , and a very deep Ditch , with other Fortifications . It is wash'd by a River that turns a great many Mills . It was formerly the Custom in Russia , under whose Dominions this Palatinate was when this City was built , to fortify their principal Towns with a double Wall and two Castles . Here formerly the Diet was kept alternatively with Vilna and Novogrodeck .

Borissow . Borissow , a Wooden Town seated on the River Beresina , which has a Castle well fortified : It lies about forty Miles from Vilna , and has in it a good Garison against the Incursions of the Moscovites .

Koidanow . Koidanow , a Town with a Castle about twenty five Miles from Vilna .

Radoskowice . Radoskowice , a Town with a Castle , where Sigismundus Augustus muster'd above 100000 Men at once in the Year 1568.

Lohoisko . Lohoisko , a Town and Castle about eight Miles from Borissow .

Swislocz . Swislocz , a Town situate upon a River of the same Name .

Bobroisko . Bobroisko , a Town lying on the River Beresina .

Odruczko , Odruczko , a Town and Castle which formerly gave Name to a Dutchy , whereof several Noble Russians had the Title .

Senators of Minski . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Minski .

It s Arms. The Arms or Standard of this Palatinate are the same with Lithuania , only an M plac'd side-ways .

V. Palatinate . The fifth Palatinate of Lithuanic-Russia is that of

Polocz , which is divided into two Districts , viz. The Districts of Polocz , and Vsacz .

In both which are these Cities and Towns , viz.

Polocz , Cap. Vsacz , or Vsalza , Disna , Drissa , Druha , Starzitia , and Volisia .

Cities and Towns of The Capital of all which is

Polocz . Polocz , seated on the River Duna , or Dwina . It was formerly a City very considerable , but in the Year 1562 , John Basilowitz Great Duke of Moscovy took it , and carried most of its Inhabitants away Prisoners . This Place remain'd in the hands of the Moscovites to the Year 1579 , when Stephen Batori recover'd it , together with its whole Territory . It was formerly a Dutchy , and subject only to its own Princes . Here at present resides a Russian Prelat . The Jesuits also have a very fair Foundation in this City built and endow'd by Stephen Batori .

Usacz . Vsacz , distant about three Polish Miles from Polocz , and situate on a River of its own Name .

Disna . Disna , built on the Duna , and tolerably fortified . It lies about six Miles from Polocz , and forty from Vilna .

Druha . Druha , upon a River of the same Name .

Senators of Polocz . The Senators of this Palatinate are , The Palatin and Castellan of Polocz .

It s Arms. The Standard or Arms of this Palatinate , are the Arms of the Great Dutchy , with a P ● sideways plac'd in the middle of the Coat .

Having thus , Sir , describ'd to you the present Extent , and chief Towns of the Great Dutchy of Lithuania , it would seem requisite ( as usual ) to give you a particular Character of this Nation ; but having a design to proceed to a second Volume of this Undertaking , where I will examine into the Genius , Manners and Customs of both Poles and Lithuanians , at present I can only take notice , that to Jagell●●'s time , being the XIV th Century , the Lithuanian were Pagans , and worshipp'd many Gods , or rather Devils . First , they paid Divine Adoration to Fire ( which they call'd in their Language Znicz , signifying sacred ) and kept it always alight in some of their most famous Towns . For thi●● end they assign'd several Priests , by whose Neglect , or otherwise , if ever it came to be extinguish'd , they were immediately beheaded . Next , they worshipp'd Thunder , calling it in the Sclavonian Tongue Perunum . Also they had divers Groves where they pray'd to tall streight Trees , which they held it Sacrilege but to touch . The Devil , ( or rather the cunning Priest ) it seems was so politick in those days , as to promote all these Superstitions , by frightning these Idolaters when they offer'd in the least to forsake them . When the Sky was clouded , they were of opinion the Sun was angry with them , and therefore us'd their utmost Art to appease him by Prayers , Musick , &c. They likewise believ'd Serpents to be Gods , which were their Lares , or Domestick Deities , and therefore each Family kept one in their House , to which they daily sacrificed Milk , Fowls , and the like ; and one of which if they happen'd at any time to offend , they look'd upon it to be an Omen of Destruction to their whole Progeny . They had also a set time appointed for a Solemn Sacrifice , being about the beginning of October , when together with their Wives and Children , they feasted riotously for three days , in like manner as we have said before in Samogitia . Upon their return from the Wars they were wont to sacrifice one of the chief of their Captives with all their Booty to the Fire . They us'd to burn their Dead with all their richest Ornaments on , which they wore whilst living , together with one of their most faithful Servants , their Horses , Arms , Dogs , &c. whilst all their Relations and Friends brought Milk , Honey , Beer , and the like , and merrily feasted and danc'd about their Funeral-Pile to Musick of various kinds .

All these Pagan Superstitions and Errors Jagello , after he became Christian , in great measure abolish'd ; to effect which , He , together with his Queen Hedwigis , the Arch-bishop of Gnesna , a vast number of Priests , and several other Learned Men went into Lithuania about the beginning of Lent in the Year 1387 , where at Vilna he first caus'd the sacred Fire to be extinguish'd , and the place wherein it was kept to be converted into the Church of St. Stanislaus ; then he proceeded to kill the Serpents , cut down the Groves , pull down their Altars , and the like , which the poor bigotted Lithuanians wondring at , cry'd out , How can our Gods dissemble with these wicked Christians , so far as to suffer 'em to profane their Divinities with unhallowed hands , when if we had but offer'd to injure them in the least , we always immediately underwent their Revenge ! But at length when they perceiv'd no Judgment to follow the suppos'd Sacrilege of the Poles , they unanimously acknowlegd'd their false Worship , and consented to be baptiz'd , whereof about thirty thousand were brought to the Font in one day . From henceforward the Lithuanians have for the major part continued Christians , tho there are yet some Idolaters among them of different Beliefs towards the Frontiers of Moscovy and Samogitia , in the great Woods , who still worship Serpents , &c. as they used to do . There are also in this Great Dutchy about thirty thousand Tartars with liberty of the Turkish Religion , who have enjoy'd this Privilege for some hundreds of Years , on condition that they shall send every Year twelve hundred Men to the Wars against the Turks and Tartars . These Mahometans call their Churches Meczets .

depiction of child with bear in cave.

Page 342.

Upon this occasion I was assur'd by the King himself , several Senators and other Great Men of that Kingdom ; and moreover , it is the common and undisputed Report , that Children are oftentimes nourish'd and brought up by Bears in these Parts . They say likewise , that if a hungry He-Bear finds a Child that has been carelesly left any where , he will immediately tear it to pieces ; but on the contrary , had it been a She-Bear then giving Suck , she would undoubtedly have carried it safe to her Den , and nourish'd it among her Cubs , which after some time might probably have been rescued from her and been taken by Hunters , as it happen'd in another Case of this nature in the Year 1669 , which has been positively asserted to me in a Letter from his Excellency Monsieur de Cleverskerk , now Embassador here to his Majesty King William from the States of Hollond , which Letter I thought not amiss to insert .

A Monsieur Connor . Monsieur ,

JE veux satisfaire en partie à votre desir , & vous rendre conte d'un Enfant que J'ay veu à Varsovie , en l'an 1669. Me rencontrant en cette Ville de Pologne pour étre present au tems de l'Election d'un Roy , qui se devoit faire à la place du Roy Jean Casimir , qui s'étoit démis de la Couronne : Je m'informay à cette occasion de ce qu'il y avoit à voir en ce lieu , & J'ay appris , entre autres choses , qu'il se trouvoit au Fauxbourg de la Ville ( qui va vers le Palais que le Roy Casimir y avoit fait batir ) chez des Religieuses un Enfant Male qui avoit été nourri des Ours , ayant été pris , quêques tems auparauant , à la chasse de ces Animaux . J'allay à ce lieu pour Satisfaire ma Curiosité , & trouvay a la Porte le dit Enfant jouant dans les Sables , sous l'Auvent qui étoit devant la Maison . Il étoit , selon ma meilleure Memoire , de l'age de douze à treize ans . Quand Je l'approchay il vint sauter , comme par surprise à mon habit , & prit par la main avec beaucoup de precipitation un des boutons d'Argent que Je portois à mon Justaucorps , & approcha le Nez pour le Sentir . Puis Jl se jetta , tout d'un coup , à un coin par terre , faisant quêque bruit comme une espece d' Hurlement . J'entray dans la Maison , ou une Fille m' informa plus particulierement de lá Prise de cet Enfant ; Mais comme Je n'ay point avec moy le Livre ou J'ay écrit les Observations que J'ay fait dans mes Voyages , Je ne sçaurois vous en faire le dêtail . Cette Fille appella & fit entrer , le dit Enfant , & luy montra un grand Morçeau de pain ; ce que luy voyant il se jetta sur un Plancher qui étoit fait contre la muraille dans cette Chambre ; Il y marcha comme à quatre pattes : Il se leva avec une grande vitesse ; prit par les deux mains le pain qui luy fut presentè ; le porta ainsi au nez , & se Jetta en bas faisant encore un bruit étrange comme auparavant . On m'informa qu'il ne parloit point encore des paroles , mais qu'on esperoit avec le tems luy en apprendre , d'autant qu'il avoit l'ouiè bonne : Il avoit quêques marques au visage qu'on pensoit avoir été des Egratigneures de l'Ours .

Voilà Monsieur tout ce que ma Memoire me peut fournir d'une Particularité qu'il y à si long tems que J'ay veüe , Mais Personne ne doit trouver étrange que cela soit arrivé d'autant qu'on a d'autres Exemples dans les Histories : Et on m'a informé en ce Pais , que les Tartares y font souvent des Invasions par des courses qu'ils font avec unc si grande vitesse qu'ils entrent ●●n peu de tems bien avant dans le Pais qui est ouvert , leurs chevaux étant capables de faire un tres-grand cheminsans manger ni boire ; qu'étant allez jusques où ils ont proposé , la ils Etendent leur grande Troupe & prennent , comme dans les filets , toutes les Personnes qu'ils rencontrent en leur retraite , & les menent en Esclavage : qu' d ces occasions les Hommes & les Femmes tachants fuir n'ont bien souvent pas de tems de sauver leurs Enfants , & qu'ainsi celuicy peut avoir été laissé , & trouvé par quêques Ours , qui sont en ces lieux de Lituanie ou de Pologne . Je suis marri , Monsieur , ne vous pouvoir pas informer & satisfaire à votre Curiosité avec plus d'exactitude : cependant , vous recevrez , s'il vous plait , cette Relation comme un petit témoignage de ma bonne Volonté , comme etant ,

Ce 1 , Jan. 1698. Monsieur , Votre tres-Affectionné Serviteur , J. P. Van den Brande de Cleverskerk .

Thus in English . SIR ,

I Shall endeavour partly to satisfy your Request , and to give you an Account of a Boy that I saw at Warsaw in the Year 1661 , who had been brought up by Bears . Coming to this City of Poland with design to be Present at the Election of a King after John Casimir , who had Abdicated the Crown , I enquir'd what was worth seeing in or about this Place : whereupon I was inform'd , among other things , that there was in the Suburbs of this City ( which go towards King Casimir's Palace ) in a Nunnery , a certain Male Child , who had been brought up among Bears , and who had been taken some time before at a Bear-hunting . Vpon this Information I went immediately to that place to satisfy my Curiosity , where I found the aforesaid Boy playing under the Pent-house before the Nunnery Gate . His Age , as well as I remember , I guess'd to be about twelve or thirteen . As soon as I came near him he leap'd towards me as if surpriz'd and pleas'd with my Habit. First , be caught one of my Silver Buttons in his hand with a great deal of eagerness , which he held up to his Nose to smell ; Afterwards he leap'd all of a sudden into a Corner , where he made a strange sort of Noise not unlike to Howling . I went into the House , where a Maid-servant inform'd me more particularly of the Manner of his being taken . But having not with me the Book wherein I wrot my Observations in my Travels , I cannot possibly give you an exact Account of it . This Maid call'd the Boy in , and show'd him a good large piece of Bread ; which when he saw , he immediately leap'd upon a Bench that was joyn'd to the Wall of the Room , where he walk'd about upon all-four : After which , he rais'd himself upright with a great Spring , and took the Bread in his two Hands , put it up to his Nose , and afterwards leap'd off from the Bench upon the Ground , making the same odd sort of Noise as before . I was told that he was not yet brought to speak , but that they hop'd in a short time he would , having his Hearing good . He had some Scars on his Face , which were commonly thought to be Scratches of the Bears .

Thus , Sir , you have all that I can remember of a Curiosity , which I saw so long time since ; the Truth of which no body ought to question , since there are several parallel Examples in History ; and I have been inform'd in this Country , that whenas the Tartars make frequent Incursions there , which they perform with such extraordinary Swiftness , that they can over-run great part of the Country in a very short time , their Horses being able to Travel a whole Day together without drawing Bit ; being arriv'd at the propos'd Place , they immediately quarter themselves in a great Circle , whereby , as it were in a Net , they take all that come within their Clutches , and carry them into Slavery . So that either the Men or Women finding themselves thus ensnar'd , and endeavouring to escape , have oftentimes not leisure to take care of their Infants , and therefore probably this Boy might have been left behind after the like manner , and found and born away by the Bears ; Of which there are a great Number both in Lithuania and Poland . I am sorry , Sir , I cannot give you a more satisfactory Account of this matter , but I hope this will suffice for a Testimony of my good Will , and to assure you that I am ,

Jan. 1. 1697 / 8. SIR , Your most Affectionate Servant , J. P. Van den Brande de Cleverskerk .

For another Confirmation of this Matter of fact , I have the Testimony of an authentic Author , M. Christopher Hartknoch of Passenheim in Ducal - Prussia , who writ two Books of the State of Poland . He says , that during the Reign of King John Casimir , in the Year 1669 , there hapned an Accident which perhaps might hardly be credited by Posterity ; which was , that there were then two Boys found by a Company of Soldiers among the Bears in the Woods near Grodna ; one of which , as soon as he saw the Bears assaulted , fled into the neighbouring Morass , whilst the other endeavouring likewise to escape , was taken by the Soldiers and brought to Warsaw , where he was afterwards christen'd by the Name of Joseph . He was about twelve or thirteen years old , as might be guest by his height , but his Manners were altogether bestial ; for he not only fed upon raw Flesh , wild Honey , Crab-Apples , and such like Dainties which Bears are us'd to feast with , but also went , like them , upon all-four . After his Baptism he was not taught to go upright without a great deal of difficulty , and there was less hopes of ever making him learn the Polish Language , for he always continu'd to express his Mind in a kind of Bear-like Tone . Some time after King Casimir made a Present of him to Peter Adam Opalinski , Vice-Chamberlain of Posnan , by whom he was employ'd in the Offices of his Kitchin , as to carry Wood , Water , &c. but yet could he never be brought to relinquish his native Wildness , which he retain'd to his dying-day ; for he would often go into the Woods amongst the Bears , and freely keep company with them without any fear , or harm done him , being , as was suppos'd , constantly acknowledg'd for their Fosterling .

I might here , Sir , give you several other Accounts of this Nature , which I had related to me when I was in Poland ; and I am told Mr. Gibson , a Parliament-man , has formerly seen some other Examples of this kind in that Kingdom ; but by what I have already mention'd , I believe you will be sufficiently convinc'd , that the History of Romulus and Remus is not so fabulous as it is generally conjectured to be , and as I thought my self it was before I had been in this Country ; for considering that Brutes ( since Philosophers and Divines will allow them no Rational Souls ) breed up their Young meerly out of a Natural Instinct or Sympathy , which I need not describe here , I see no Improbability why they may not likewise bring up those of another Kind , as we have several Instances daily . But I will not insist longer upon these Philosophical Matters , nor examin here whether Examples of this nature refute or establish innate Ideas , as I have done in my Medicina Mystica , but will conclude ,

SIR , Your very Obedient Servant , B. C.

A Chronological Table of the Succession , Reigns and Deaths of the Dukes , Governours , Princes and Kings of Poland ; together with an exact reference to the Page where they are treated of .

Began his Reign . Reign'd Years . Dv'd A. D. pag. I. LEchus , I. — 550 uncertain 10 II. Visimirus — Guagnini only mentions . III. XII . Woievods — Depos'd . 12 IV. Cracus — 700 — — ib. V. Lechus , II. — — — — 13 VI. Venda — 750 — — ib. VII . XII . Woievods — — — depos'd 14 VIII . Lescus , I. — 760 16 776 ib. IX . Lescus , II. — 776 28 804 16 X. Lescus III. — 804 6 810 ib. XI . Popiel , I. — 810 5 815 ib. XII . Popiel , II. — 815 15 830 ib. XIII . Piastus — 830 31 861 21 XIV . Ziemovitus — 861 31 892 23 XV. Lescus , IV. — 892 21 913 ib. XVI . Ziemovistus — 913 51 964 ib. XVII . Miecislaus , I. — 964 35 999 24 XVIII . Boleslaus Chroby — 999 26 1025 26 XIX . Miecislaus , II. — 1025 9 1034 ib. XX. Casimir , I. — 1034 25 1059 27 XXI . Boleslaus , II. — 1059 23 1082 29 XXII . Vladislaus Hermannus 1082 21 1103 30 XXIII . Boleslaus , III. — 1103 37 1140 31 XXIV . Vladislaus Sputator 1140 6 1146 33 XXV . Boleslaus Crispus — 1146 28 1174 35 XXVI . Miecislaus , III. — 1174 4 1178 36 XXVII . Casimir , II. — 1178 17 1195 37 XXVIII . Lescus , V. — 1195 8 1203 39 XXIX . Vladislaus Lasconogus 1203 3 1206 42

Began his Reign . Reign'd Years . Dy'd A. D. pag. XXX . Lescus V. Reestablish'd 1206 22 1228 ib. XXXI . Boleslaus , V. — 1228 51 1279 43 XXXII . Lescus Niger — 1279 11 1290 46 XXXIII . Henry I. — 1290 6 1296 48 XXXIV . Premislus — 1296 7 Mon. 1296 ib. XXXV . Vladislaus Locticus 1296 4 1300 49 XXXVI . Winceslaus K. of Bomia — 1300 5 1305 ib. XXXVII . Locticus restor'd — 1305 28 1333 50 XXXVIII . Casimir III. the Great 1333 37 1370 54 XXXIX . Lewis K. of Hungary 1370 12 1382 56 XL. Queen Hedwigis — 1382 4 1386 58 XLI . Jagello , or Vladislaus , V. — 1386 49 1435 59 XLII . Vladislaus , VI. — 1435 21 1446 60 XLIII . Casimir , IV. — 1446 43 1493 63 XLIV . John Albert — 1493 8 1501 66 XLV . Alexander — 1501 6 1507 67 XLVI . Sigismund , I. — 1507 41 1548 69 XLVII . Sigismund , II. — 1548 26 1574 75 XLVIII . Henry of Valois — 1574 5 Mon. 1577 85 XLIX . Stephen Batori — 1577 10 1587 88 L. Sigismund , III. — 1587 45 1632 106 LI. Vladislaus , VII . — 1632 16 1648 121 LII . John Casimir — 1648 22 1670 124 LIII . Michael Wiesnowiski 1670 4 1674 145 LIV. John Sobieski — 1674 23 1697 163 LV. Frederic Augustus now reigning — 1697 5 Mon. — 207

FINIS Partis Prima .