And this History shewing the state and condition of _Mexico_, when I

travelled to those parts I have willingly set down, that the Reader

may by it bee furnished with better observations then my self (who am

but a Neophyte) am able to deduct. Somewhat might bee observed from

the Viceroyes covetousnesse; which doubtlesse in all is a great sinne,

for as _Paul_ well adviseth, I _Tim._ 6. 10. _The love of mony is the

root of all evill_; but much more to bee condemned in a Prince or

Governour; whom it may blind in the exercise of Justice and Judgment,

and harden those tender bowels (which ought to bee in him) of a

father and shepheard to his flock and children. Wee may yet from this

Viceroyes practice and example against a chiefe head of the _Romish_

Church, discover that errour of the Preists and Jesuites of _England_,

who perswade the people here that no temporall Magistrate hath power

over them, and that to lay hands on them in wrath and anger (being

as they say Consecrated to God and his Altar) is _ipso facto_ a deep

excommunication; whereas wee see the contrary in this Viceroy a member

of the Church of _Rome_, and yet exercising his temporall power against

an Arch-Bishop, and by _Tiroll_ taking him from the Church, and as

his prisoner sending him with just wrath and anger to a forraine and

remote place of banishment. But lastly it is my desire that the High

and Honorable Court of Parliament which now is sitting for the good

of this Kingdome, and for the good of it hath already pulled downe

the Hierarchy of such Prelates and Archprelates, would looke upon the

trouble and uproare which the keys of the Church in the hand of an

undiscreet Preist brought upon that City of _Mexico_. Certainly as the

strength of the Church well setled, and governed with subordination

to the Magistrate, is likewise the strength of the Common-wealth; so

on the other side the power of the Keyes in the Clergies hand to cast

out what incestuous _Corinthian_ they please, without the rest of

the _Corinthians_ consent, I _Cor._ 5. 4, 5. may prove dangerous and

troublesome to the Common-weale and good. For if the Clergy may use by

itselfe, without the overseeing eye of the Magistrates Commissioners,

the power of the keyes; who shall bee free from their censures, that

any way will oppose them? The poor and ignorant will not onely bee

the object of their censures, but the rich and wise and noble. Ruler

and Magistrate will also come under their censures; wherein I finde

a Minister may then as a Pope encroach upon the highest Crowne of an

Emperour. Nay certainly in _England_ the thoughts of some such aspiring

Ministers have been higher then the thoughts of this Arch-Bishop of

_Mexico_ over a Viceroy, the conceipt of their power with the Keyes

have hoised them above their Prince, for I have heard one of them

say, he knew not but that by the power of the keyes hee might as well

excommunicate the King as any other private person. This conceit hath

made the Pope of _Rome_ feare no earthly Prince, Emperour, Ruler or

Magistrate; nay this hath made him to bee feared and respected and

honoured by Kings and Princes; And why may not the same power in the

hands of a Protestant Clergy, make the meanest and the highest to feare

and dread them? But some will say, the Word of God being the Touchstone

wherewith they are to try what points may be the subjects of their

censures, by such a light and guidance they are not like to erre. But

they then being themselves the Judges of the sense and meaning of the

Word, who shall oppose their judgment, and their ensuing censures?

What if to their triall and judgment they shall bring any Law enacted

by a High Court of Parliament, and shall judge it not according to the

Word of God, and so presse it to the peoples consciences; threatning

with their censures such as shall obey it? in such a case how may the

power of the keyes unlock and open a doore to the people of rebellion

against their lawfull Magistrates? Oh what dangers may befall a

Common-wealth, when thus the Clergy shall stand over poor and rich,

Subject and Magistrate, as _Peters_ statue at _Rome_, with Crosse-keyes

in his hand? What a rebellion did the Archbishop of _Mexico_ cause by

excommunicating _Don Pedro Mexia_ first, and then the Viceroy? and how

did the people fear his keyes more then their Viceroys temporall power

and authority, siding with him against such as hee had excommunicated?

What troubles did that Doctor _Smith_ Bishop of _Chalcedon_ bring

among the Papists, small and great ones, not long agoe here in

_England_, laying upon them by the power of the Keyes a censure of

Excommunication, if they confessed to, or did entertaine and heare the

Masse of any, that had not derived their authority from him? Then were

they in open rebellion one against another; the Secular Preists against

the Monkes, Fryers, and Jesuites, and the Laity all troubled, some

siding with one, and some with another, untill Doctor _Smith_ having

thus kindled the fire, was faine to leave it burning, and to betake

himself to _Paris_, and from thence to foment the dissention which with

power of the Keyes hee had caused here.

Oh surely the Church so far is a good Mother, as it allowes a

Magistrate to be a Father. And great comfort have those that live

within the pale of the Church, to know that they have the Magistrate a

Father to flye unto in their pressures and discomforts.

I must ingenuously confesse that one maine point that brought me from

the Church of _Rome_, was the too too great power of the Keyes in the

Popes, Bishops, and Preists hands, who studying more selfe Policy,

then common Policy, looke upon the people, and with their power deale

with them more as their subjects, then as politicall Members in a

Common-wealth, rending and tearing them daily by their censures from

that common and Politicall body to which they belong, without any

hopes of care to bee had of them by their Magistrate and Politicall

head and Governour. And I hope I shall not have fled from Antichrist

who exalteth himself as head of the Church, and from that power hath

his influence over all State and Politicall Heads and Rulers; to find

in a Protestant Church any of his spirit, making a distinction of a

spirituall and temporall head, forgetting the onely head Christ Jesus;

which were it once granted, as the spirit is more noble then the body,

so would the inference soon bee made, that they that are over the

spirit, are higher in power then they that are over the body; which

conclusion would soon bring _Mexicoes_ troubles among Protestants.

Experience in all my travails by sea and land, in most parts of

_Europe_ and of _America_, hath ever taught mee, that where the Clergy

hath been too much exalted and enjoyed power over the people, there the

Common-wealth hath soon fallen into heavy pressures and troubles. And

let not this my observation seem strange as coming from a Minister, for

I have learned from Christ, _Matth._ 20. 25, 26, 27. _That the Princes

of the Gentiles exercise Dominion, and they that are great exercise

authority. But it shall not bee so among you, but whosoever will bee

great among you, let him bee your Minister; and whosoever will bee

chiefe among you, let him be your Servant._

I hope the High Court of Parliament will so settle the Church and State

here that this shall not feare any further troubles from that; and that

wee who have our portion from the one, may bee Ministers and Servants

under the Commissioners of the other. And thus largely I have described

the State and condition of _Mexico_ in the time of _Montezuma_, and

since his death the manner and proportion of it, with the troubled

condition I found it in when I went thither, by reason of a mutiny and

rebellion caused by an Arch-Bishop the yeer before. I shall now come

out of _Mexico_, and present unto you the places most remarkable about

it; and from thence the severall parts and Countries of _America_,

before I betake my self to the journey which I made from _Mexico_ to

_Guatemala_, lying nine hundred _English_ miles Southward, and from

thence yet to _Costarica_, and _Nicoya_, being nine hundred miles

further towards the South.

CHAP. XIII.

_Shewing the severall parts of this new World of_ America; _and the

places of note about the famous City of_ Mexico.

Although my travailes by Sea and Land in _America_ were not above three

or foure thousand miles (which is not the fift part of it, if exactly

compassed) yet for the better compleating of this my worke I thought

fit to inlarge my self to a full division of the many and sundry parts

thereof, here first in generall; and hereafter more in particular of

those parts wherein I lived twelve yeeres, and of those which I more

exactly noted and observed as I travailed and passed through them.

The chief division therefore of this greatest part of the World, is

twofold onely, to wit, the _Mexicans_, and the _Peruan_ parts, which

containe many great and sundry Provinces and Countries, some as big

as our whole Kingdom of _England_. But _Mexico_ giving name to halfe

_America_, is now called _Nova Hispania_, new _Spain_, from whence

the Kings of _Spain_ doe stile themselves, _Hispaniarum Reges_. The

_Mexican_ part containeth chiefly the Northern Tract, and comprehendeth

these Provinces hitherto knowne and discovered, to wit, _Mexico,

Quivira, Nicaragua, Jucatan, Florida, Virginia, Norumbega, Nova

Francia, Corterialis_, and _Estotilandia_. The compasse of this part

of _America_ is thirteen thousand miles. The _Peruan_ part containeth

all the Southern Tract, and is tyed to the _Mexican_ by the _Isthmus_

or strait of _Darien_, being no more then 17 or as others say, in the

narrowest place but 12 miles broad from the North to the South Sea.

And many have mentioned to the Councell of _Spain_, the cutting of a

Navigable Channell through this small _Isthmus_, so to shorten the

Voiage to _China_, and the _Moluccoes_. But the Kings of _Spain_ have

not as yet attempted to doe it, some say lest in the worke hee should

lose those few _Indians_ that are left (would to God it were so that

they were and had been so carefull and tender of the poore _Indians_

lives, more populous would that vast and spatious Countrey bee at this

day:) but others say he hath not attempted that great worke, lest

the passage by the Cape _Bona Esperanza_ good hope, being left off,

those Seas might become a receptacle of Pirates. However this hath

not been attempted by the _Spaniards_, they give not for reason any

extraordinary great charge, for that would soone bee recompensed with

the speedy and easie conveying that way the Commodities from South to

North Seas. This _Peruan_ part of _America_ containeth these Countries,

or Kingdomes, to wit, _Castella aurea, Guiana, Peru, Brasil, Chille_;

and the compasse of it is seventeen thousand miles. I shall not speake

distinctly of all these parts, which better writers, and of more

knowledge have before mee discovered; and because some of them being

out of the _Spaniards_ reach and dominion, from whom I have received

my best intelligence, I have from them had little notice of them,

nor experience, which indeed I intend to make my best guide in this

my worke. Therefore to returne again to the _Mexican_ part, and the

Northern Tract, I shall fall again upon the first and chiefe member of

that division, which I said was _Mexico_. This aboundeth with golden

sanded rivers, in which are many Crocodiles (though not so big as

those of _Egypt_), which the _Indian_ people eat. It glorieth in the

mountaines _Popochampeche_, and _Popocatepec_, which are of the same

nature with _Ætna_ and _Vesuvius_. Nay all the way South-ward as farre

as _Leon_ in _Nicaragua_, there are many of these fiery mountaines. But

_Popocatepec_ is one of the chiefe of them, which signifieth a hill

of smoake, for many times it casteth out smoake and fire; it standeth

eight leagues from _Chololla_; the ascending up unto it is very

troublesome, and full of craggie rocks. When _Cortez_ passed that way

to _Mexico_, he sent ten _Spaniards_ to view it, with many _Indians_

to carry their victuals, and to guide them in the way. They approached

so nigh the top, that they heard such a terrible noyse which proceeded

from thence, that they durst not goe unto it, for the ground did

tremble and shake, and great quantity of ashes did much disturb their

way. But yet two of them who seemed to be most hardie, and desirous

to see strange things, went up to the top, because they would not

return with a sleevelesse answer, and that they might not be accounted

cowards, leaving their fellowes behind them, proceeded forwards,

and passed through that desart of ashes, and at length came under a

great smoake very thick, and standing there a while, the darknesse

vanished partly away, and then appeared the Vulcan and concavity,

which is about halfe a league in compasse, out of the which the aire

came rebounding with a very great noise, very shrill and whistling, so

that the whole hill did tremble; it was like unto an oven where glasse

is made. The smoake and heat was so great that they could not abide

it, and of force were constrained to return by the way that they had

ascended. But they were not gone farre, when the Vulcan began to flash

out flames of fire, ashes and embers, yea and at the last stones of

burning fire, and if they had not chanced to find a rocke, under which

they shadowed themselves, undoubtedly they had there been burned. It

is like unto the Vulcan of _Sicilia_, it is high and round, and never

wanteth snow about some part of it. Before the coming of _Cortez_ for

ten yeers space it had left off expelling vapour or smoake; but in

the yeer 1540. it began again to burn, and with the horrible noyse

thereof, the people that dwelt four leagues from it were terrified;

the ashes that proceeded then from it reached to _Tlaxcallan_, which

standeth ten leagues distant from it; yea some affirme that it extended

fifteen leagues distant, and burned the herbs in the gardens, the

corne in the fields, and clothes that lay a drying. And many such hils

and mountaines doth this _Mexican_ part of _America_, or new _Spaine_

abound with. The limits of it are on the East, _Jucatan_, and the

gulfe of _Mexico_, on the West _Californio_, on the South the _Peruan_

part. The Northern bounds are unknowne, so that we cannot certainly

avow this _America_ to be continent, nor certainly affirme it to be

an Island, distinguished from the old world. It was very populous

before the arrivall of the _Spaniards_, who in seventeen yeers slew six

millions of them, roasting some, plucking out the eyes, cutting off

the arms of others, and casting them living to be devoured of wilde

beasts. This chiefe Province of _America_ named _Mexico_, is further

subdivided into four parts, that is to say, _Themistitan, Nova Galicia,

Mechoacan_, and _Guastachan. Themistitan_ is the greatest and noblest

of these foure; for that it containeth six Cities, and of them one is

_Mexico_, which giveth name to the halfe part of _America_, and is the

seat of an Arch-bishop, and of the _Spanish_ Viceroy, whose greatnesse

within I have before laid open; the second City is _La Puebla de

las Angeles_, the City of Angels; the third _Villaruca_, the fourth

_Antiquera_; the fifth _Meccioca_; the sixth _Ottopan_. But all these,

excepting the two first, are but small places, named Citties formerly,

for that the _Spaniards_ thought to have made them Bishops seats,

which they have not been able to performe, by reason that _Mexico_

and the City of _Angels_ hath drawne to them the chiefe trading, and

most of the inhabitants of the other foure. Especially the resort to

_Mexico_ is so great, that all the Townes about (which formerly were

of _Indians_) are now inhabited by _Spaniards_ and _Mestizoes_. I may

not omit about _Mexico_ that famous place of _Chapultepec_, which in

the Heathens times was the burying place of the Emperours; and now by

the _Spaniards_ is the Escuriall of _America_, where the Viceroyes

that die are also interred. There is a sumptuous palace built with many

fair gardens, and devises of waters, and ponds of fish, whither the

Viceroyes and the gentry of _Mexico_ do resort for their recreation.

The riches here belonging to the Viceroyes Chappell are thought to be

worth above a million of crownes.

_Tacuba_ is also a pleasant Towne full of orchards and gardens, in

the very way to _Chapultepec_. South-ward is _Toluco_, rich also for

trading, but above all much mentioned for the Bacon, which is the best

of all those parts, and is transported far and neer. West-ward is the

Towne called, _La Piedad_ at the end of a Cawsey, whither the people

much resort from _Mexico_, being drawn to the superstitious worship of

a picture of _Mary_, which hath been enriched by the chiefe of _Mexico_

with many thousand pounds worth of gifts of chaines, and crownes of

gold.

But more Northwest-ward three leagues from _Mexico_ is the pleasantest

place of all that are about _Mexico_, called _La Soledad_, and by

others _el desierto_, the solitary or desert place and wildernesse.

Were all wildernesses like it, to live in a wildernesse would be

better then to live in a City. This hath been a device of poor Fryers

named discalced, or barefooted Carmelites, who to make shew of their

hypocriticall and apparent godlinesse, and that whilst they would be

thought to live like Eremites, retired from the world, they may draw

the world unto them; they have built there a stately Cloister, which

being upon a hill and among rocks makes it to be more admired. About

the Cloister they have fashioned out many holes and Caves in, under,

and among the rocks, like Eremites lodgings, with a room to lie in,

and an Oratory to pray in, with pictures, and Images, and rare devices

for mortification, as disciplines of wyar, rods of iron, haire-cloths,

girdles with sharp wyar pointes to girdle about their bare flesh, and

many such like toyes which hang about their Oratories, to make people

admire their mortified and holy lives. All these Eremeticall holes and

caves (which are some ten in all) are within the bounds and compasse

of the Cloister, and among orchards and gardens full of fruits and

flowers, which may take up two miles compasse; and here among the

rockes are many springs of water, which with the shade of the plantins

and other trees, are most coole and pleasant to the Eremites; they

have also the sweet smell of the rose and jazmin, which is a little

flower, but the sweetest of all others; there is not any other flower

to be found that is rare and exquisite in that countrey, which is not

in that wildernesse to delight the senses of those mortified Eremites.

They are weekly changed from the Cloister, and when their weeke is

ended, others are sent, and they return unto their Cloister; they carry

with them their bottles of wine, sweet-meats, and other provision;

as for fruits the trees about do drop them into their mouthes. It is

wonderfull to see the strange devises of fountains of water which are

about the gardens; but much more strange and wonderfull to see the

resort of Coaches, and gallants, and Ladies, and Citizens from _Mexico_

thither, to walke and make merry in those desart pleasures, and to see

those hypocrites, whom they looke upon as living Saints, and so think

nothing too good for them, to cherish them in their desart conflicts

with Satan. None goes to them but carries some sweet-meats, or some

other dainty dish to nourish and feed them withall; whose prayers they

likewise earnestly solicite, leaving them great almes of mony for

their masses; and above all, offering to a picture in their Church,

called our Lady of _Carmel_, treasures of diamonds, pearles, golden

chaines and crownes, and gownes of cloth of gold and silver. Before

this picture did hang in my time twenty lampes of silver; the worst of

them being worth a hundred pound; truely Satan hath given unto them

what he offered Christ in the desart, All these things wil I give thee

if thou wilt fall down and worship me; all the dainties and of all the

riches of _America_ hath he given unto them in that their desart, for

that they daily fall downe and worship him. In the way to this place

there is another Towne yet called _Tacubaya_, where is a rich Cloister

of Franciscans, and also many gardens and orchards, but above all much

resorted to for the musicke in that Church, wherein the Friers have

made the _Indians_ so dexterous and skilfull, that they dare compare

with the Cathedrall Church of _Mexico_. These were the chiefe places

of mine and my friends resort, whilst I abode about _Mexico_, which I

found to be most worth a History, and so thought fit here to insert

them, and so passe on to the other parts or Provinces of _Mexico_.

Next to this is the Province of _Guastachan_, which lieth in the rode

from _St. John de Ulhua_ to _Mexico_, which is not so poore as _Heylin_

maketh it, for that now it doth abound with many rich farmes of Sugar,

and of Cochinil, and reacheth as farre as the Valley of _Guaxaca_

which is a most rich place. The chiefe City of this Province was wont

to be _Tlaxcallan_, whereof I have formerly spoken; but now the City of

_Guaxaca_ which is a Bishops seat, and _Xalappa_ which is also of late

made a Bishops seat, makes it more famous. It glorieth also in _Villa

Rica_ a Port Towne very wealthy, because all the traffique betwixt the

Old and New _Spains_ do passe through it. The _Spaniards_ have in it

two rich Colonies, called _Pamico_, and _St. James_ in the valleys.

The third Province of _Mexico_ is called _Mechoacan_, which containeth

in circuit fourscore leagues. It is also an exceeding rich countrey,

abounding in Mulberry trees, silk, hony, wax, black-amber, works of

divers coloured feathers, most rich, rare, and exquisite, and such

store of fish, that from thence it tooke its name, _Mechuoucan_, which

signifieth a place of fishing.

The language of the _Indians_ is most elegant and copious, and they

tall, strong, active, and of very good wits, as may be seen in all

their workes, but especially in those of feathers, which are so

curious, that they are presented for rich presents to the King and

Nobles of _Spaine_. The chiefe City of this Province is _Valladolid_

a Bishops-seat; and the best Townes are _Sinfonte_, which was the

residence of the Kings of this countrey. There is also _Pascuar_ and

_Colima_ very great Townes inhabited by _Indians_ and _Spaniards_.

There are also two good havens, called _St. Anthony_, and _St. James_,

or _Santiago_. This country of _Mechoacan_ was almost as great as the

Empire of _Mexico_, when _Cortez_ conquered those parts. The King

that was then of _Mechoacan_ was called _Caconzin_, who was a great

friend unto _Cortez_, and a servitor to the _Spaniards_, and willingly

yeelded himselfe as vassall to the King of _Spaine_; yet such was the

cruelty of _Don Nunio de Guzman_, the first Ruler and President of the

Chancery of _Mexico_ after the conquest, that understanding he was put

out of his office, he tooke his journey against the _Teuchichimecas_,

and carried in his company five hundred _Spaniards_, with whom and

six thousand _Indians_ which by force he tooke out of _Mechoacan_, he

conquered _Xalixco_ which is now called the new _Galicia_. And as for

this purpose hee passed through _Mechoacan_, he tooke Prisoner the

King _Caconzin_, (who was quiet and peaceable and stirred not against

him) and tooke from him ten thousand markes of plate, and much gold

and other treasure, and afterwards burned him, and many other _Indian_

Gentlemen and principall persons of that Kingdome, because they should

not complaine, saying that a dead dog biteth not. They were in this

Kingdome as superstitious and idolatrous as in the rest of _America_.

No divorcement was permitted amongst them, except the party made a

solemn oath, that they looked not the one on the other stedfastly

and directly at the time of their marriage. In the burying likewise

of their Kings they were superstitious, cruell, and Idolatrous. When

any King of _Mechoacan_ happened to be brought to such extremity of

sicknesse that hope of life was past; then did he name and appoint

which of his sons should inherit the state and Crown, and being known

the new King or heir presently sent for all the Governours, Captains,

and valiant souldiers, who had any office or charge, to come unto the

buriall of his father, and he that came not, from thenceforth was

held for a Traitour, and so punished. When the death of the old King

was certaine, then came all degrees of estates, and did bring their

presents to the new King for the approbation of his Kingdome: But if

the King were not throughly dead, but at the point of death, then

the gates were shut in, and none permitted to enter; and if he were

throughly dead, then began a generall cry and mourning, and they were

permitted to come where their dead King lay, and to touch him with

their hands. This being done the carkasse was washed with sweet waters,

and then a fine shirt put upon him, and a payre of shooes made of Dear

skinne put on his feet, and about his ankles were tied bells of gold,

about the wrists of his hands were put bracelets of Turkises and of

gold likewise; about his neck they did hang collars of pretious stones

and also of gold, and rings in his eares, with a great Turkise in his

neither lip. Then his body was laid upon a large Beere whereon was

placed a good bed under him; on his one side lay a bow with a quiver of

arrowes, and on his other side lay an Image made of fine mantles of his

own stature or bignesse, with a great tuffe of fine feathers, shooes

upon his feet, with bracelets and a collar of gold. While this was a

doing, others were busied in washing the men and women, which should be

slain for to accompany him into hell. These wretches that were to be

slain, were first banqueted and filled with drinke, because they should

receive their death with lesse paine. The new King did appoint those

who should die for to serve the King his father; and many of those

simple soules esteemed that death so odious for a thing of immortall

glorious. First six Gentlewomen of noble birth were appointed to die;

the one to have the office of keeper of his jewels, which he was wont

to weare; another for the office of cup-bearer; another to give him

water with a bason and Ewer; another to give him alwaies the Urinall;

another to be his Cooke; and another to serve for Landress. They slew

also many women, slaves, and free-maidens for to attend upon the

Gentlewomen, and moreover one of every occupation within the City. When

all these that were appointed to die were washed, and their bellies

full with meat and drinke, then they painted their faces yellow, and

put garlands of sweet flowers upon each of their heads. Then they

went in order of procession before the Beere, whereon the dead King

was carried; some went playing on instruments made of Snail shells,

and others played upon bones and shells of Sea Tortois, others went

whistling, and the most part weeping. The sons of the dead King and

other Noble men carried upon their shoulders the Beere where the Corps

lay, and proceeded with an easie pace towards the Temple of the God

called _Curicaveri_; his kinsmen went round about the Beer singing a

sorrowfull song. The officers and houshold-servants of the Court, with

other Magistrates and Rulers of justice bare the Standards and divers

other Arms. And about midnight they departed in the order aforesaid out

of the Kings Palace with great light of fire-brands, and with a heavy

noyse of their trumpets and drummes. The Citizens which dwelt where the

Corse passed, attended to make clean the street. And when they were

come to the Temple, they went four times round about a great fire which

was prepared of Pine tree to burn the dead body. Then the Beer was laid

upon the fire, and in the meane while that the body was burning, they

mawled with a club those which had the garlands, and afterward buried

them four and four as they were apparelled behind the Temple. The next

day in the morning the ashes, bones and jewels were gathered and laid

upon a rich mantle, the which was carried to the Temple gate, where

the Preists attended to blesse those divellish reliques, whereof they

made a dow or paste, and thereof an Image, which was apparelled like

a man, with a visor on his face, and all other sorts of jewels that

the dead King was wont to weare, so that it seemed a gallant Idoll. At

the foot of the Temple staires they opened a grave ready made, which

was square, large, two fadome deepe, it was also hanged with new mats

roundabout, and a faire bed therein, in the which one of the Preists

placed the Idoll made of ashes with his eyes towards the East part, and

did hang round about the walls Targets of gold and silver, with bowes

and arrows, and many gallant tuffes of feathers with earthen vessels,

as pots, dishes, and platters, so that the grave was filled up with

houshold-stuffe, chests covered with leather, apparel, Jewels, meate

drinke and armour. This done, the grave was shut up and made sure with

beames, boardes, and floored with earth on the top. All those Gentlemen

who had served or touched any thing in the buriall, washed themselves

and went to dinner in the Court or yard of the Kings house without any

table, and having dined they wiped their hands upon certain lockes of

Cotton-wooll, hanging downe their heads, and not speaking any word,

except it were to aske for drinke. This ceremonie endured five daies,

and in all that time no fire was permitted to be kindled in the City,

except in the Kings house and Temples, nor yet any corne was ground,

or market kept, nor any durst goe out of their houses, shewing all

the sorrow that might be possible for the death of their King. And

this was the superstitious manner of burying the Kings of _Mechoacan_.

This people did punish adultery most rigorously; for to commit it was

death as well for the man as the woman. But if the adulterer were a

Gentleman, his head was decked with feathers, and after that he was

hanged, and his body burned; and for this offence was no pardon, either

for man or woman. But for avoiding of adultery they did permit other

common women, but no publike and ordinary stewes. Now the _Indians_ of

_Mechoacan_ are greatly taken with the popish devices, and are strong

in that religion, as any part of _America_.

The fourth and last Province of the Countrey or Empire of _Mexico_,

is called _Galicia nova_, and is watered with two very great rivers,

the one named _Piastle_, and the other _San Sebastian_. This Province

glorieth in many great Townes of _Indians_; but especially in six,

inhabited both by _Indians_ and _Spaniards_; the first and chiefest is

_Xalisco_, taken by _Nunio de Guzman_ 1530. when he fled from _Mexico_

in a rage, and tooke prisoner and burned the King of _Mechoacan_. The

second is _Guadalaiara_. The third _Coanum_. The fourth _Compostella_.

The fifth, _St. Espirit_. The sixth, _Capola_, which now is called

_Nova Mexico_, new _Mexico_. And here it is that the _Spaniards_ are

daily warring against the _Indians_ which live Northward, and are not

as yet reduced nor brought under the _Spanish_ yoake and government.

They are valiant _Indians_, and hold the _Spaniards_ hard to it; and

have great advantage against them in the rocks and mountaines, where

they abide and cut off many _Spaniards_. Their chief weapons are but

bowes and arrowes, and yet with them from the thick Woods, hils and

rockes they annoy and offend the _Spaniards_ exceedingly. I have heard

some _Spaniards_ say that they flie and climbe up the rocks like

Goates; and when they draw nigh unto them, then they cry out with a

hideous noise shooting their arrowes at them, and in an instant are

departed and fled unto another rock. The reason why the _Spaniards_

are so earnest to pursue and conquer these _Indians_, more then many

others of _America_, which as yet are not brought in subjection to the

_Spaniards_, is for the many Mines of silver and treasure of gold which

they know to bee there. They have got already sure possession of part

of those riches in the Mines, called St. _Lewis Sacatecas_, from whence

they send all the silver that is coyned in the Mint houses of _Mexico_

and the City of _Angels_, and every yeere besides to _Spain_ in silver

wedges at least six Millions. But the further the _Spaniards_ goe to

the North, still more riches they discover; and faine would they subdue

all those Northern parts (as I have heard them say) lest our _English_

from _Virginia_, and their other plantations, get in before them. I

have heard them wonder that our _English_ enter no further into the

maine land; surely say they, either they feare the _Indians_, or else

with a little paultry Tobacco they have as much as will maintaine them

in lazinesse. Certainly they intend to conquer through those heathenish

_Indians_, untill by land they come to _Florida_ and _Virginia_, (for

so they boast) if they bee not met with by some of our Northern Nations

of _Europe_, who may better keep them off then those poor _Indians_,

and may doe God greater and better service with those rich Mines, then

the _Spaniards_ hitherto have done.

Thus having spoken somewhat of the foure Provinces of _Mexico_, which

was the first member of the division _Mexican_ and _Peruan_; Now I

shall briefly say somewhat further of three more Countries belonging

to the _Mexican_ or Northern Tract as opposite to the _Peruan_,

omiting _Florida, Virginia, Norumbega, Nova Francia Corterialis_, and

_Estotilandia_, because I will not write as many doe by relation and

hearsay, but by more sure intelligence, insight and experience. In

my first division next to _Mexico_, I placed _Quivira, Jucatan_, and

_Nicaragua_; of these three therefore I shall say a little, and then

some what of the _Peruan_ part. _Quivira_ is seated on the most Western

part of _America_, just over against _Tartary_, from whence being not

much distant some suppose that the Inhabitants first came into this new

World. And indeed the _Indians_ of _America_ in many things seeme to

bee of the race and progenie of the _Tartars_, in that _Quivira_ and

all the West side of the Country towards _Asia_ is farre more populous

then the East towards _Europe_, which sheweth these parts to have been

first inhabited. Secondly, their uncivility, and barbarous properties

tell us that they are most like the _Tartars_ of any. Thirdly, the

West side of _America_ if it bee not continent with _Tartary_, is

yet disjoyned by a small straight. Fourthly, the people of _Quivira_

neerest to _Tartary_, are said to follow the seasons and pasturing of

their cattell like the _Tartarians_. All this side of _America_ is full

of herbage, and injoyeth a temperate aire. The people are desirous of

glasse more then of gold; and in some places to this day are Cannibals.

The chief riches of this Country are their Kine, which are to them as

we say of our Ale to drunkards, meat, drink and cloth, and more too.

For the Hides yeeld them houses, or at least the coverings of them;

their bones bodkins, their hair thred, their sinews ropes; their horns,

mawes and bladders, vessels; their dung, fire; their Calve skinnes,

budgets to draw and keepe water; their blood, drink; their flesh, meat.

There is thought to bee some traffique from _China_, or _Cathaya_,

hither to those parts, where as yet the _Spaniards_ have not entred.

For when _Vazquez de Coronado_ conquered some part of it, hee saw in

the further Sea certaine ships, not of common making; which seemed

to bee well laden, and bare in their prowes, Pelicans, which could

not bee conjectured to come from any Country, but one of these two.

In _Quivira_ there are but two Provinces knowne unto us, which are

_Cibola_, and _Nova Albion. Cibola_ lyeth on the Eastside, whose chief

City is of the same name, and denominates the whole Province. The chief

Town next to _Cibola_ is called _Totontaa_, which is temperate and

pleasant, being situated upon a River so called. The third Town worth

mentioning is called _Tinguez_, which was burnt by the _Spaniards_; who

under the conduct of _Francisco Vasquez de Coronado_ made this Province

subject to the King of _Spain, Anno Dom._ 1540. And since this Town of

_Tinguez_ hath been rebuilt and inhabited by the _Spaniards_; There is

a goodly Colledge of Jesuites, who only preach to the _Indians_ of that

country. _Nova Albion_ lyeth on the West side towards _Tartary_, and is

very little inhabited by the _Spaniards_, who have found no wealth or

riches there. Our ever Renowned and Noble Captain Sir _Francis Drake_

discovered it, entred upon it, and hee named it _Nova Albion_, because

the King that then was, did willingly submit himself unto our Queen

_Elizabeth_.

The Country abounds with fruits pleasing both the eye and the Palate.

The people are given to hospitality, but withall to witchcraft and

adoration of devils. The bounds between this _Quivira_ and _Mexico_

Empire is _Mar Virmiglio_, or _Californio_. The third Kingdome

belonging to the _Mexican_ part and Northern Tract is _Jucatan_; which

was first discovered by _Francisco Hernandez de Cordova_, in the

year 1517. It is called _Jucatan_, not as some have conceited from

_Joctan_ the son of Heber, who they thinke came out of the East, where

the Scripture placeth him, _Gen._ 12. 23. to inhabite here, but from

_Jucatan_ which in the _Indian_ tongue, signifieth, what say you? for

when the _Spaniards_ at their first arriving in that Country did aske

of the _Indians_ the name of the place, the Savages not understanding

what they meaned, replyed unto them _Jucatan_, which is, what say you?

whereupon the _Spaniards_ named it, and ever since have called it

_Jucatan_. The whole Country is at least 900 miles in circuit, and is

a _Peninsula_. It is situated over against the Isle of _Cuba_; and is

divided into three parts, first _Jucatan_ it selfe, whose Cities of

greatest worth, are _Campeche, Valladolid, Merida, Simaricas_, and one

which for his greatnesse and beauty, they call _Caire_. This Country

among the _Spaniards_ is held to bee poor; the chief Commodities in

it are hony, wax, Hides, and some Sugar, but no Indigo, Cochinil, nor

Mines of silver; There are yet some drugs much esteemed of by the

Apothecaries, _Cana fistula, Zarzaparilla_ especially; and great store

of _Indian Maiz_. There is also abundance of good Wood and Timber fit

for shipping, whereof the _Spaniards_ doe make very strong ships, which

they use in their voiages to _Spain_ and back again. In the yeer 1632.

the _Indians_ of this Country in many places of it were like to rebell

against their _Spanish_ Governour, who vexed them sorely, making them

bring in to him their Fowles and Turkies (whereof there is also great

abundance) and their hony and wax, (wherein hee traded) at the rate and

price which hee pleased to set them for his better advantage; which

was such a disadvantage to them, that to enrich him they impoverished

themselves; and so resolved to betake themselves to the Woods and

Mountaines; where in a rebellious way they continued some Months,

untill the Franciscan Fryers, who have there great power over them,

reduced them back, and the Governour (lest hee should quite lose that

Country by a further rebellion) granted to them not onely a generall

pardon in the Kings name, but for the future promised to use them more

mildly and gently.

The second part of it is called _Guatemala_, (wherein I lived for the

space of almost twelve yeers) whose Inhabitants have lost formerly

halfe a million of their kinsmen and friends by the unmercifull dealing

of the _Spaniards_; and yet for all the losse of so many thousands,

there is no part of _America_ more flourishing then this with great

and populous _Indians_ Townes. They may thank the Fryers who defend

them daily against the _Spaniards_ cruelty, and this yet for their

owne ends; for while the _Indians_ flourish and increase, the Fryers

purses flourish also and are filled. This Country is very fresh and

plentifull. The chief Cities are _Guatemala, Cassuca_, and _Chiapa_;

whereof I shall speak more largely hereafter. The third part of

_Jucatan_ is _Acasamil_, which is an Island over against _Guatemala_

which is now commonly called by the _Spaniards Sta Cruz_, whose chief

Towne is _Sta. Cruz_.

The fourth and last Country of the division of the _Mexican_ part and

Northern Tract of _America_ (which is under the _Spanish_ Government,

and my best knowledge and experience) is _Nicaragua_, which standeth

South East from _Mexico_, and above foure hundred and fifty leagues

from it. Yet it agreeth somewhat with _Mexico_ in nature both of

soile and Inhabitants. The people are of good stature, and of colour

indifferent white. They had, before they received Christianity, a

setled and politick forme of Government; Onely, as _Solon_ appointed

no Law for a mans killing of his father, so had this people none for

the murtherer of a King, both of them conceiting, that men were not so

unnaturall, as to commit such crimes. A theef they judged not to death,

but adjudged him to be slave to that man whom hee had robbed; till by

his service hee had made satisfaction: a course truely more mercifull

and not lesse just, then the losse of life.

This Countrey is so pleasing to the eye, and abounding in all things

necessary, that the _Spaniards_ call it _Mahomets_ Paradise. Among

other flourishing trees, here groweth one of that nature, that a man

cannot touch any of its branches, but it withereth presently. It is

as plentifull of Parrets, as our Countrey of _England_ is of Crowes;

Turkies, Fowles, Quailes and Rabbets are ordinary meat there. There are

many populous _Indian_ Townes (though not so many as about _Guatemala_)

in this Countrey; and especially two Cities of _Spaniards_, the one

_Leon_, a Bishops Seat, and the other _Granada_, which standeth upon a

Lake of fresh water, which hath above three hundred miles in compasse,

and having no intercourse with the Ocean, doth yet continually ebbe and

flow. But of this Countrey, and of this City especially I shall say

somewhat more, when I come to speake of my travailing through it.

Thus I have briefly touched upon the _Mexican_ part, and so much of the

Northern Tract as is under the King of _Spain_ his Dominion, leaving

more particulars, untill I come to shew the order of my being in and

journeying through some of these Countries. I will now likewise give

you a glimpse of the Southern Tract, and _Peruan_ part of _America_.

Which containeth chiefly five great Countries or Kingdomes, some

in whole, and others in part, subject to the Crown of _Spain_ and

_Portugal_, which are, first _Castella aurea_; secondly, _Gujana_;

thirdly, _Peru_; fourthly, _Brasile_; fifthly, _Chille_. But I will

not fill my History with what others have written of the foure last

named Countries, wherein I was not much; but what I could learne of

_Peru_, I will briefly speak, and so come to the first _Castella

aurea_, through which I travailed. _Peru_ is held to be yet more rich

a Countrey then is _Mexico_; for although it hath not the conveniency

of trafique by the North Sea, which _Mexico_ hath; but doth send the

Commodities in it to _Panama_, and from thence transports them either

over the straight _Isthmus_, or by the River _Chiagre_ to _Portabel_

upon the North Sea; yet the Countrey is farre richer then _Mexico_,

by reason of the more abundance of Mines of silver which are in it.

The mountaines named _Potosi_ are thought to be of no other metall,

which the King of _Spain_ will not have to be opened until they have

exhausted those which are already discovered and digged, and have found

the _Spaniards_ worke enough, and yeelded them treasure enough ever

since they first conquered those parts. The soile is very fruitfull of

all such fruits as are found in _Spain_. The Olives are bigger then

those of _Spain_, the oyle sweeter and cleerer. The Grapes yeeld also

a wine farre stronger then any of _Spain_, and there is much made,

by reason it cannot conveniently bee brought from _Spain_. There is

likewise wheat in great store; and all this fruitfull soile lyeth

low under high Mountaines which divide betwixt _Indians_ not as yet

conquered and _Brasile_. But those Mountaines are a great helpe unto

those pleasant Valleys with the waters that fall from them; for in all

those parts inhabited by _Spaniards_ towards the South Sea, it is most

certain and most observable that it never raineth, in so much that the

houses are uncovered on the tops, and onely matts laid over them to

keep off the dust, and yet is this Countrey what with the waters that

fall from the Mountaines, what with the morning and evening dewes, as

fruitfull and plentifull as any Countrey in the World. The chief City

is called _Lima_, where there is a Viceroy and a Court of Chancery,

and an Arch-Bishop. It hath a Port some two miles from it named

_Callau_; where lie the ships that convey yearly the treasure of that

Kingdome to _Panama_. There lie also other ships, which trafique to the

_East-India's_, and to all the Coasts of _Guatemala_, and to _Acapulco_

the Southern Haven of _Mexico_. This Port of _Callau_ is not so strong

as the great, nay inestimable wealth that is commonly in it and in the

City of _Lima_ should require, for I have heard many _Spaniards_ say,

that in the yeare 1620. a few ships of _Hollanders_ (as some say) or of

_English_ (as others affirme) appeared before the Haven waiting for the

ships that were to convey the Kings revenews to _Panama_, and hearing

that they were departed (though by a false report) followed them,

and so forsooke the attempting to take the _Callau_; which certainly

had they manly attempted, they had taken it, and in it the greatest

treasure that in any one part of the world could have beene found. But

the _Spaniards_ seldome see thereabout foraine ships, and so live more

carelesly in securing or strengthning that Coast. Though _Peru_ bee

thus rich in fruits and Mines, yet _Chille_ farre exceedeth it in gold;

which edgeth the _Spaniards_ to a constant and continuall Warre with

the Inhabitants, which are a strong, warlike, and most valiant people.

They are grown as skilfull in the use of weapons, swords, Pistols and

Muskets as the _Spaniards_, and have taken many _Spaniards_, men and

women prisoners; and or the _Spanish_ women have had so many children,

called _Mestizoes_, that by them (who have proved most valiant) they

have much increased both their strength and skill. They hold the

_Spaniards_ hard to it, and the War is become the most dangerous of

any the _Spaniards_ have; in so much that the Counsell of _Spain_ doth

pick out from _Flanders_ and _Italy_, the best souldiers to send them

thither. And a Captaine that hath served long, well and faithfully in

_Flanders_, by way of credit and promotion is sent to the Warres of

_Chille_, to fight for that great treasure of gold, which certainly is

there. The _Spaniards_ have in it three faire Cities; the _Conception_

(which is a Bishops Seat) and _Santiago_, and _Valdivia_. This last is

so named from one _Valdivia_, who was Governour of it, and the first

cause and author of those Wars.

This man was so extraordinarily covetous of the gold of that Countrey,

that hee would not let the _Indians_ possesse or injoy any of it

themselves; but did vex them, whip, and beat, yea and kill some of

them, because they brought him not enough, and imployed them daily in

seeking it out for him, charging them with a tax and imposition of

so much a day: which the _Indians_ not being able to performe, nor

to satisfie an unsatiable minde and greedy covetousnesse, resolved

to rebell, but so that first they would fill and satiate his heart

with gold so that hee should never more covet after that yellow and

glittering metall. Wherefore they joyned and combined themselves

together in a warlike posture, and tooke some quantity of gold and

melted it, and with it resolutely came upon _Valdivia_ the Governour,

saying, O _Valdivia_ we see thou hast a greedy and unsatiable minde and

desire after our gold; wee have not been able to satisfie thee with it

hitherto; but now wee have devised a way to satiate this thy greedy

covetousnesse; here is now enough, drink thy full of it; and with these

words they tooke him, and powred the melted gold downe his throat,

wherewith he died, never more coveting after that bright and shining

drosse, and naming with his name and death that City of _Valdivia_, and

with his covetousnesse leaving a rebellion which hath continued to a

cruell and bloody War unto this day.

_Guiana_ and _Brasile_ I shall omit to speak of, not having been in

any part of them. _Brasile_ is little talked of by the _Spaniards_,

belonging to the Crowne of _Portugall_, and now part of it to the high

and mighty States of the _Netherlands_, who will better satisfie by

their Histories, and acquaint _Europe_ with the riches that are in it.

I return unto the first part mentioned by me in the Southern and

_Peruan_ Tract, which was said to bee _Castella aurea_, golden

_Castile_, so called for the abundance of gold that is found in it.

This containeth the Northern part of _Peruana_, and part of the

_Isthmus_, which runneth between the North and South Sea. Besides the

gold in it, yet it is admirably stored with silver, Spices, Pearls,

and medicinall Herbes. It is divided into foure Provinces. The first

is called _Castella del oro_; the second, _Nova Andaluzia_; the third

_Nova Granada_; the fourth, _Carthagena. Castella del oro_ is situated

in the very _Isthmus_, and is not very populous by reason of the

unhealthfulnesse of the aire, and noisome savour of the standing

pooles. The chief places belonging to the _Spaniards_, are first

_Theonimay_, or _Nombre de Dios_ on the East; the second, which is six

leagues from _Nombre de Dios_ is _Portabel_, now chiefly inhabited by

the _Spaniards_ and Mulattoes, and Blackmores, and _Nombre de Dios_

almost utterly forsaken by reason of its unhealthfulnesse. The ships

which were wont to anchor in _Nombre de Dios_, and there to take in the

Kings treasure, which is yeerly brought from _Peru_ to _Panama_, and

from thence to the North Sea, now harbour themselves in _Portabel_;

which signifyeth _Porto bello_, a faire and goodly Haven, for so indeed

it is, and well fortified at the entrance with three Castles, which can

reach and command one another. The third and chiefe place belonging

to the _Spaniards_ in _Castella del oro_ is _Panama_, which is on

the Westside and upon the South Sea. This City and _Nombre de Dios_

were both built by _Didacus de Niquesa_. And _Nombre de Dios_ was so

called, because _Niquesa_ having been crossed with many mischances and

misadventures at Sea, when hee came to this place greatly rejoyced,

and bad his men now goe on shore in _Nombre de Dios_, in the name of

God. But as I have before observed, the aire being here very unhealthy,

the King of _Spain_ in the yeare 1584. commanded the houses of _Nombre

de Dios_ to be pulled downe, and to be rebuilt in a more healthy and

convenient place: which was performed by _Peter Arias_ in _Portabel_.

But being now upon _Nombre de Dios_, I should wrong my Country if

I should not set out to the publike view the worth of her people

shewed upon this place, and to this day talked on and admired by the

_Spaniards_, who doe not only remember Sir _Francis Drake_, & teach

their children to dread and fear even his name for his attempts upon

_Carthagena_ and all the coast about, and especially upon _Nombre de

Dios_, and from it marching as farre as the great mountaine called _St.

Pablo_ towards _Panama_: but furthermore keep alive amongst them (and

in this my History it shall not die) the name of one of Sir _Francis

Drake_ his followers and Captains named _John Oxenham_, whose attempt

on this coast was resolute and wonderfull.

This Noble and gallant Gentleman arriving with threescore and ten

souldiers in his company as resolute as himselfe, a little above

this Towne of _Nombre de Dios_ drew a land his ship, and covering

it with boughes, marched over the land with his Company guided by

_Black-mores_, untill he came to a river. Where he cut downe wood, made

him a Pinnace, entred the South-sea, went to the Island of Pearles,

where hee lay ten daies waiting for a prize, which happily he got

(though not so happily after kept it) for from that Island he set upon

two _Spanish_ ships, and finding them unable to fight, he speedily made

them yeeld, and intercepted in them threescore thousand pound weight

of gold, and two hundred thousand pound weight in barres or wedges of

silver, and returned safely again to the maine land. And though by

reason of a mutiny made by his owne Company he neither returned to his

country nor to his hidden ship; yet was it such a strange adventure

as is not to be forgotten, in that the like was never by any other

attempted, and by the _Spaniards_ is to this day with much admiration

recorded.

Much part of this _Castella aurea_ as yet is not subdued by the

_Spaniards_, and so doubtlesse a great treasure lieth hid in it for

that people and nation whose thoughts shall aspire to find it out. In

the year 1637. when I chanced to be in _Panama_ returning homewards to

my Country, there came thither some twenty _Indians_ Barbarians by way

of peace to treate with the President of the Chancery concerning their

yeelding up themselves to the government of the King of _Spaine_. But

as I was informed afterwards at _Carthagena_, nothing was concluded

upon, for that the _Spaniards_ dare not trust those _Indians_, whom

they have found to have rebelled often against them for their hard

usage and carriage towards them. These _Indians_ which then I saw were

very proper, tall and lusty men, and well complexioned; and among them

one of as red a haire as any our nation can shew; they had bobs of

gold in their eares, and some of them little pieces of gold made like

a halfe moone hanging upon their neither lips, which argues store of

that treasure to be amongst them. Unto this country is joyning _Nova

Andaluzia_, which hath on the North side _Castella del oro_, and on

the South _Peru_; The best Cities in it are _Tocoio_, now by the

_Spaniards_ called _St. Margarets_, and another called _S. Espiritu.

Nova Granada_ is situated on the South side of _Carthagena_, and from

the abundance and fertility of _Granada_ in _Spaine_ it hath taken

its name. The chiefe Townes and Cities in it are six. First _Tungia_,

which is supposed to be directly under the _Æquator_. The second is

_Tochaimum_. The third, _Popaian_, the richest of them all. The fourth,

_Sta. Fee_, or _St. Faith_, an Archbishops seat, and a Court of Justice

and Chancery, governed like _Panama_ and _Guatemala_, by a President

and six Judges, and a Kings Attorney and two high Justices of Court,

who have six thousand duckats a yeer allowed them out of the Kings

treasure. The fifth City is _Palma_; and the sixth _Merida_. From

_Carthagena_ through this countrey of _Granada_ lieth the rode way to

_Lima_ in _Peru_, all by land. This Country is very strong by reason

of the situation of it much amongst stony rockes, which compasse and

environ it, and through which there are very narrow passages. Yet it is

full of pleasant valleys which do yeeld much fruit, Corne and _Indian_

Maiz. There are also in it some Mines of silver, and many golden sanded

rivers. _Carthagena_, which is the last Province of _Castella aurea_,

hath also a very fruitfull soil, in the which groweth a tree, which if

any one do touch, he will hardly escape a poysoning.

The chiefe Cities in it are, first _Carthagena_, which Sir _Francis

Drake_ in the yeer 1585. surprised, and (as the _Spaniards_ affirme)

burned most part of it, and besides inestimable sums of money, took

with him from thence 230 peeces of Ordnance. I dare say now it hath

not so many; yet it is reasonable well fortified; though not so strong

as _Portabel_. It is a faire and gallant City and very rich, by

reason of the pearles which are brought to it from _Margarita_, and

the Kings revenues, which from all _Nova Granada_ are sent thither.

It is a Bishops seat, and hath many rich Churches and Cloisters. It

is not governed by a Court of Justice and Chancery as _Sta. Fee_ is,

but onely by one Governour. It hath been often moved to the Councell

of _Spaine_ to have some Galleys made to runne about those Seas, and

that _Carthagena_ bee the chiefe harbour of them. From this City

received _England_ the losse of that little Island named _Providence_

by us, and by the _Spaniards Sta. Catalina_, which though but little,

might have been of a great, nay greater advantage to our Kingdom, than

any other of our plantations in _America_; which the _Spaniards_ wel

understood when they set al their strength of _Carthagena_ against it;

but I hope the Lord hath his time appointed when we shall advantage

our selves by it again. To this City of _Carthagena_ cometh every yeer

also in small Frigots most of the Indigo, Cochinil & Sugar, which is

made in the country of _Guatemala_, the _Spaniards_ thinking it safer

to ship these their goods in little Frigots upon the lake of _Granada_

in _Nicaragua_, & from thence to send them to _Carthagena_ to be

shipped with the Galeons that come from _Portabel_ with the treasure of

_Peru_, than to send them by the ships of _Honduras_, which have often

been a prey unto the _Hollanders_. These frigots were thought by the

_Spaniards_ to come too neer the reach of _Providence_, and therefore

it hath been their care and providence to remove us from this reach of

their Frigots. The second great Towne of this Countrey of _Carthagena_

is _Abuida_. The third _Sta. Martha_, which is a rich government of

_Spaniards_, and doth much fear our _English_ and _Holland_ ships;

it is seated on the river _de Abuida_, otherwise called _St. John_

and _Rio di Grand_. There is also _Venezuela_ and _New-Caliz_, great,

rich, and strong Townes. And these three last regions, _Andaluzia Nova,

Nova Granada_, and _Carthagena_ are by the _Spaniards_ called _Tierra

firme_, or firme land, for that they are the strength of _Peru_ from

the North, and the basis of this reversed _Pyramis_.

Thus have I brought thee, Gentle Reader, round about _America_, and

shewed thee the Continent of that biggest part of the world; from

the which thou mayst observe the power and greatnesse of the King of

_Spain_, who hath got under his Scepter and Dominion so many thousand

miles, which were they reckoned up, would be found to be more then are

about all _Europe_. But not only is _America_ great and spatious by

land, but also by sea, glorying in more and some greater Islands, then

any other part of the world. It would but cause tediousnesse, and seem

prolixity to number them all up, which is a worke hard and difficult,

for that many as yet are not knowne nor inhabited, and whose goodnesse

and greatnesse is not discovered; for the Islands called _Lucoidas_

are thought to be foure hundred at least. Therefore I will omit to be

over tedious and prolixe, and will but briefly speake of the best and

chiefe of them, taking them in order from that part of the Continent,

_Carthagena_, where even now I left thee. But in the first place calls

upon my pen the Jewel Island called _Margarita_, which is situated in

the sea nigh unto _Castella aurea_, and not farre distant from two

other Islands, named _Cubagna_ and _Trinidado_. True it is this Island

of _Margarita_ is by some much slighted for want of corne, grasse,

trees and water; in so much that it hath been knowne sometime that an

inhabitant of that Island hath willingly changed for a Tun of water a

Tunne of wine. But the great abundance of pretious stones in it maketh

amends for the former wants and defects; for from them is the name of

_Margarita_ imposed on that Island. But especially it yeeldeth store

of pearles, those gemmes which the Latine writers call _Uniones_,

because _nulli duo reperiuntur indiscreti_, they alwaies are found to

grow in couples. In this Island there are many rich Merchants, who have

thirty, fourty, fifty _Black-more_ slaves only to fish out of the sea

about the rockes these pearles. These _Black-mores_ are much made of

by their Masters, who must needs trust them with a treasure hidden in

the waters, and in whose will it is to passe by of those they find,

none, few, or many. They are let downe in baskets into the Sea, and

so long continue under the water, untill by pulling the rope by which

they are let downe, they make their sign to taken up. I have heard some

say that have thus dealt in pearles, that the chief meat they feed

their _Black-mores_ with, is roast-meat, which maketh them their wind &

breath longer in the water. From _Margarita_ are all the pearles sent

to be refined and bored to _Carthagena_, where is a faire and goodly

street of no other shops then of these Pearle-dressers. Commonly in the

moneth of _July_ there is a ship or two at most ready in that Island to

carry the Kings revenue, and the Merchants pearles to _Carthagena_. One

of these ships are valued commonly at threescore thousand, or fourscore

thousand duckats, and sometimes more; and therefore are reasonable

well manned; for that the _Spaniards_ much feare our _English_ and

the _Holland_ ships. The yeare that I was in _Carthagena_, which was

1637. a ship of these laden with pearles was chased by one of our ships

from the Island of _Providence_ (by some it was thought to be our ship

called the _Neptune_) which after a little fighting had almost brought

the poore _Spaniard_ to yeeld his pearles, and had certainly carried

away that great treasure (as I was informed in _Carthagena_ foure daies

after the fight by a _Spaniard_ who was in the ship of _Margarita_)

had not two other ships of _Holland_ come between to challenge from

our _English_ man that prize, alleadging their priviledge from the

mighty States united for all prizes upon those seas and coast. And

whilst our _English_ and _Hollander_ did thus strive for the Pearles,

the _Spanish_ ship ran on shore upon a little Island, and speedily

unladed and hid in the woods part of the treasures, and perceiving

the _Hollander_ coming eagerly in pursuit of it, the _Spaniard_ set

on fire the ship, and neither _Spaniard, English_, nor _Hollander_,

enjoyed what might have been a great and rich prize to _England_.

From _Carthagena_ was sent presently a man of Warre to bring home the

pearles hid in the wood, which were not the third part of what was in

the ship.

_Jamaica_ is another Island under the power of the _Spaniards_, which

is in length 280. miles, and 70. in breadth, which though it exceed

_Margarita_ in sweet and pleasant streames and fountaines of water,

yet is far inferiour to it in riches. Some Hides, some Sugar, and some

Tobacco are the chiefe commodities from thence. There are only two

Townes of note in it, _Oristana_ and _Sevilla_; here are built ships

which have proved as well at sea, as those that are made in _Spaine_.

This Island was once very populous, but now is almost destitute of

_Indians_; for the _Spaniards_ have slain in it more then 60,000; in

so much that women as well here as on the Continent did kill their

children before they had given them life, that the issues of their

bodies might not serve so cruell a nation. But farre beyond the two

former is the Island of _Cuba_, which is three hundred miles long, and

seventy broad, which was first made knowne to _Europe_ by _Columbus_

his second navigation. This Island is full of Forrests, Lakes, and

mountaines. The aire is very temperate, the soile very fertill,

producing brasse of exact perfection, and some gold though drossie

hath formerly been found in it. It aboundeth also with Ginger, Cassia,

Masticke, Aloes, some Cinnamon, Cana fistula, Zarzaparilla, and Sugar,

and hath of flesh, fish, and fowles great plenty; but especially such

store of sea Tortois, and Hogs, that the ships at their returne to

_Spaine_ make their chiefe provision of them. My selfe chanced to take

physicke there, and whereas I thought that day I should have a fowle

or rabbet after my physicks working, they brought me a boyled peece of

fresh young Porke, which when I refused to eat, they assured me it was

the best dish the Doctors did use to prescribe upon such daies.

The chiefe Cities of this Island are _Santiago_ on the Northerne shore,

built by _James de Valasco_, a Bishops seat, and secondly, _Havana_,

which is also on the Northerne shore, and is a safe Rode for ships, and

the staple of merchandize, and (as the _Spaniards_ call it) the key of

all the _West-India's_, to lock up or unlock the doore or entrance to

all _America_. Here rideth the King of _Spaines_ Navy, and here meet

all the Merchant ships from severall ports and Havens of all those

Countries afore-named, whether from the Islands or from the Continent:

in a word here commonly in the month of _September_ is joyned all the

treasure as I may say of _America_, all the King of _Spains_ revenews,

with as much more of Merchant goods, which the yeer that I was there

were thought to be in all the worth of thirty millions. And the ships

which that yeer there did meet to strengthen one another were 53.

saile, and set out sooner that yeer then any other upon the 16. of

_September_, having that day a faire wind to wafte them homewards

through the Gulf of _Bahama. Havana_ therefore being the store-house of

all _Americaes_ treasure, it hath been the _Spaniards_ chiefe care to

fortifie that; and truely it is so strong, that the _Spaniards_ hold it

impossible to be taken, and doe boast of foure impregnable forts, to

wit at _Antwerp, Millan, Pamplona_, and _Havana_. This hath two strong

Castles, the one at the point or entrance of the Haven toward the Sea;

the other more within, on the other side almost over against it; which

two Castles (the passage in the mouth of the haven being so narrow,

that one onely ship in breast may enter) will keep and defend the

Port from many hundred saile. I was my selfe in the great and chiefe

Castle, and truly found it very strong, though by land I judged it

might be as easily taken, as other strong Castles here in _Europe_ have

been overpowerd by a great and powerfull army. It hath in it besides

many others, twelve peeces of Ordnance of brasse exceeding great,

which they call The twelve Apostles. But for all this strength of the

_Havana_, it could not once defend six or seven millions (according

to the _Spaniards_ owne account) which the one part of the Kings Navy

brought from St. _John de Ulhua_ to the sight of this impregnable fort,

and protected with such twelve Apostles. It was as I take it the yeer

1629. when that ever renowned _Hollander_ (whom like unto our _Drake_

the _Spaniards_ to this day fear and tremble at, calling him _Pie de

Palo_, that is, wooden leg) waited at the Cape of _St. Anthony_ for the

_Spanish_ fleet of _Nova Hispania_; which according to his expectation

coming, he manly set upon it, saluting and welcoming the great treasure

in it with a full side of roaring Ordnance; the sound was more dolefull

then joyfull and welcome to the _Spaniards_, who thought it safer

sleeping in a whole skinne, then to be unquieted by fighting, and

with the sight of torne and mangled bodies, by _Mars_ his furious and

fiery balls, and so called a Councell of warre to resolve what they

should doe to save the Kings great treasure which was intrusted to

them in those ships. The result of the Councell was to flie and with

some discharging of their Ordinance to defend themselves, untill they

could put into a river in the Island of _Cuba_, not far from _Havana_

called _Matanzos_. There were in that fleet of _Spaine_ many gallants

and Gentlemen, and two Judges of the Chancery of _Mexico_, which were

that yeer sent to _Madrid_ as guilty in the mutiny before mentioned,

there was in it of my acquaintance a Dominican Frier, named Frier

_Jacintho de Hozes_, who had been sent to those parts to visit all

the Dominican Cloisters of _New-Spaine_, and had got of bribes at

least eight thousand duckats (as I was informed the yeer after by a

Frier his companion, whom he sent from _Havana_ to _Guatemala_ to make

knowne to his friends his losse of all that hee had got, and to beg

a new contribution to helpe him home) there was also in that fleet

_Don Martin de Carillo_; who was the Inquisitor and Commissioner to

judge the Delinquents in the fore-mentioned mutiny of _Mexico_, who

was thought to have got twenty thousand duckats cleer; besides these

a Bishop, and many rich Merchants, all under the command of _Don Juan

de Guzman y Torres_ Admirall to all the fleet. They all fled for

their lives and goods; but the gallant _Hollanders_ chased them. The

_Spaniards_ thinking the _Hollanders_ would not venture up the river

after them, put into _Matanzos_; but soone after they had entred, they

found the river too shallow for their heavy and great bellied Galeons,

and so run them up on ground; which done, the better and richer sort

escaped to land, endeavouring to escape with what wealth they could;

some got out Cabinets, some bags; which the _Hollanders_ perceiving

came upon them with bullet messengers, which soone overtooke and stopt

their flying treasures. Some few Cabinets were hid, all the rest became

that day the gallant _Pie de Palo_ or the wooden legd Captaines prize

for the mighty States of _Holland_. The Frier _Hozes_ was got into a

boat with his Cabinet under his habit, which had in it nothing but

chaines of gold, diamonds, Pearles and pretious stones; and halfe a

dozen _Hollanders_ leapt into the boat after him, and snatched it

from him, as his owne friend and companion related after to us in

_Guatemala. Don Juan de Guzman y Torres_ the Admirall when he came

to _Spaine_ was imprisoned, lost his wits for a while, and after was

beheaded. Thus in the sight of impregnable _Havana_ and of those 12

brazen Apostles, was _Holland_ glorious and made rich with a seven

million prize.

But before I end this Chapter, I may not forget the chiefest of all the

Islands of this new world, which is called _Hispaniola_, & formerly

by the natives _Hatie_, which lamenteth the losse of at least three

millions of _Indians_ murthered by her new Masters of _Spaine_. This

Island is the biggest that as yet is discovered in al the world; it is

in compasse about 1500. miles, and enjoyeth a temperate aire, a fertill

soile, rich mines; and trades much in Ambar, Sugar, Ginger, Hides,

and Wax. It is reported for certaine that here in twenty daies herbes

will ripen and roots also and be fit to be eaten, which is a strong

argument of the exact temperature of the aire. It yeeldeth in nothing

to _Cuba_, but excelleth it in three things especially; first in the

finenesse of the gold, which is here more pure and unmixed; secondly,

in the increase of the Sugar, one Sugar Cane here filling twenty and

sometimes thirty measures; and thirdly, in the goodnesse of the soile

for tillage, the corne here yeelding an hundred fold. This fertility

is thought to be caused by four great rivers, which water and enrich

all the four quarters of the Island; all four doe spring from one only

mountaine, which standeth in the very midst and center of the Country,

_Juna_ running to the East, _Artihinnacus_ to the West, _Jacchus_ to

the North, and _Naibus_ to the South.

This Countrey is so replenished with Swine and Cattell, that they

become wild among the woods and Mountaines, so that the ships that

saile by this Island, and want provision, goe here a shore where it

is little inhabited and kill of Cattell, wild swine and bores, till

they have made up a plentifull provision. Much of this Countrey is

not inhabited, by reason that the _Indians_ are quite consumed. The

chief places in it are first St. _Domingo_, where there is a _Spanish_

President and Chancery with six Judges and the other officers belonging

to it, and it is the Seat of an Archbishop, who though hee enjoy not

so much yeerly rent and revenues as other Archbishops, especially they

of _Mexico_ and _Lima_; yet hee hath an honour above all the rest, for

that hee is the primate of all the _India's_, this Island having been

conquered before the other parts, and so bearing antiquity above them

all. There are also other rich Townes of trading, as _Sta. Isabella,

S. Thome, S. John, Maragna_, and _Porto_. And thus hath my pen run

over Sea and Land, Islands and most of the Continent that is subject

to the _Spaniards_ to shew thee, my Reader, the state of _America_ at

this time. It is called _America_ because _Americus Vespusius_ first

discovered it; though afterwards _Columbus_ gave us the first light to

discern these Countries both by example and directions. Besides the

factions spoken of before between the Native _Spaniards_ and those

that come from _Spain_, there is yet further in most parts of it, but

especially in _Peru_ a deadly faction and mortall hatred between the

_Biscains_ and the _Spaniards_ of _Castile_ and _Estremadura_, which

hath much shaken the quiet state of it, and threatned it with rebellion

and destruction.

There are in all _America_ foure Archbishopricks, which are _Sto.

Domingo, Mexico, Lima_, and _Sta. Fee_, and above thirty inferiour

Bishops. The politick Administration of Justice is chiefly committed

to the two Viceroyes residing at _Lima_ and _Mexico_, and with

subordination unto them unto other Presidents, Governours, and high

Justices, called _Alcaldes Majores_; except it be the President of

_Guatemala_, and of _Santo Domingo_, who are as absolute in power as

the Viceroyes, and have under them Governours, and high Justices, and

are no wayes subordinate to the former Viceroyes, but onely unto the

Court and Councell of _Spain_.

CHAP. XIV.

_Shewing my journey from_ Mexico _to_ Chiapa _Southward, and the most

remarkable places in the way._

Having now gone round _America_ with a brief and superficiall

description of it, my desire is to shew unto my Reader what parts of it

I travailed through, and did abide in, observing more particularly the

state, condition, strength, and Commodities of those Countries which

lie Southward from _Mexico_. It is further my desire, nay the chief

ground of this my History, that whilst my Country doth here observe

an _English_ man, become _American_, travailing many thousand miles

there, as may bee noted from St. _John de Ulhua_ to _Mexico_, and from

thence Southward to _Panama_, and from thence Northward againe to

_Carthagena_, and to _Havana_, Gods goodnesse may bee admired, and his

providence extolled who suffered not the meanest and unworthiest of

all his Creatures to perish in such unknowne Countries; to be swalled

by North or South Sea, where shipwracks were often feared; to bee

lost in Wildernesses where no tongue could give directions; to bee

devoured by Wolves, Lions, Tigers, or Crocodiles, which there so much

abound; to fall from steepy rocks and mountaines, which seeme to dwell

in the aereall Region, and threaten with fearefull spectacles of deep

and profound precipices, a horrid and inevitable death to those that

climbe up to them; to bee eaten up by the greedy Earth which there

doth often quake and tremble, and hath sometimes opened her mouth to

draw in Townes and Cities; to bee stricken with those fiery darts of

Heaven and thunderbolts which in winter season threaten the Rockes and

Cedars; to bee inchanted by Satans Instruments, Witches and Sorcerers,

who there as on their own ground play their prankes more then in the

parts of Christendome; to be quite blinded with _Romish_ Errors and

Superstitions, which have double blinded the purblind heathenish

Idolaters; to bee wedded to the pleasures and licentiousnesse, which

doe there allure; to bee glutted with the plenty and dainties of fish,

flesh, fowles, and fruits, which doe there entice; to bee puffed up

with the spirit of pride and powerfull command and authority over the

poor _Indians_, which doth there provoke; to bee tied with the Cords

of vanity and ambition, which there are strong; and finally to be

glewed in heart, and affection to the drosse of gold, silver, Pearls,

and Jewels, whose plenty there doth bind, blind, captivate and enslave

the soule. Oh I say, let the Lords great goodnesse and wonderfull

providence bee observed who suffered not an _English_ stranger in all

these dangers to miscarry, but was a guide unto him there in all his

travailes, discovered unto him as to the espies in _Canaan_, and as to

_Joseph_ in _Egypt_ the provision, wealth and riches of that world, and

safely guided him back to relate to _England_, the truth of what no

other _English_ eye did ever yet behold. From the moneth of _October_

untill _February_ I did abide with my friends, and companions the

Fryers under the command of Fryer _Calvo_ in that house of recreation

called St. _Jacintho_, and from thence injoyed the sight of all the

Townes and of what else was worth the seeing about _Mexico_. But the

time I was there, I was carefull to informe myself of the state of

_Philippinas_, whither my first purposes had drawne me from _Spain_.

It was my fortune to light upon a Fryer and an acquaintance of some

of my friends, who was that yeer newly come from _Manila_ whither I

was going; who wished mee and some other of my friends as wee tendred

our soules good never to goe to those parts, which were but snares and

trap-dores to let downe to hell, where occasions and temptations to

sinne were daily, many in number, mighty in strength, and to get out

of them, _labor & opus_, hard and difficult. And that himself, had not

he by stealth gotten away (and that to save his soul) certainly he had

never come from thence; who had often upon his knees begged leave of

his superiours to returne to _Spain_, and could not obtaine it. Many

particulars wee could not get from him, nor the reasons of his coming

away; Onely hee would often say that the Fryers that live there are

devils in private and in those retired places where they live among the

_Indians_ to instruct and teach them; and yet in publick before their

superiours and the rest of Fryers they must appeare Saints, they must

put on the cloak of hypocrisie to cover their inward devilishnesse,

they must bee cloathed with sheeps skins though within they bee _lupi

rapaces_, ravenous Wolves, ravening after their neighbours Wives,

and ravening after their neighbours wealth; and yet with all this

unpreparednesse, with this outward, seeming and frothy sanctity, and

inward hellishnesse and deep rooted worldlinesse and covetousnesse,

when the Superiours command and please to send them, they must goe in

a disguised manner to _Japan_ or _China_ to convert to Christianity

those people though with perill and danger of their lives. Many such

like discourses wee got out of this Fryer; and that if wee went to live

there, we must bee subject to the penalties of many Excommunications

for triviall toyes and trifles, which the Superiours doe lay upon the

Consciences of their poore Subjects, who may as soone strive against

the common course of nature not to see with their eyes, nor hear with

their eares, nor speake with their tongues, as to observe all those

things which against sense, reason and nature with grievous censures

and Excommunications are charged and fastened upon them. Hee told

us further of some Fryers that had despaired under those rigorous

courses, and hanged themselves, not being able to beare the burden of

an afflicted and tormented Conscience; and of others that had been

hanged, some for murthering of their rigid and cruell Superiours; and

some that had beene found in the morning hanging with their queanes

at the Cloister gates, having beene found together in the night, and

so murthered and hanged up either by the true Husband, or by some

other who bare affection to the woman. These things seemed to us

very strange, and wee perceived that all was not gold that glistred,

nor true zeal of soules that carried so many from _Spain_ to those

parts; or if in some there were at first a better and truer zeale then

in others, when they came to _Philippinas_, and among those strong

temptations, wee found that their zeale was soone quenched. This reason

moved mee and three more of my friends to relent in our purposes of

leaving of _America_, and going any further, for wee had learned that

_maxime, qui amat periculum, peribit inco_; and, _qui tangit picem,

inquinabitur abea_; He that loveth the danger, shall fall and perish

in it; and hee that toucheth pitch shall bee smeared by it. Wherefore

wee communed privately with our selves, what course wee might take, how

wee might that yeer return back to _Spain_, or where wee might abide,

if wee returned not to _Spain_. For wee knew, if our Superiour _Calvo_

should understand of our purposes to goe no further, he would lay upon

us an Excommunication to follow him, nay and that hee would secure us

in a Cloister prison untill the day and time of our departure from

_Mexico_. Our resolutions wee made a secret of our hearts; yet could

not I but impart it to one more speciall and intimate friend of mine,

who was an _Irish_ Fryer, named _Thomas de Leon_, whom I perceived

a little troubled with so long a journey as was at hand, and found

often wishing hee had never come from _Spain_; and as soon as I had

acquainted him with what I meant to doe, hee rejoyced and promised

to stay with mee. The time was short which wee had to dispose of our

selves; but in that time wee addressed our selves to some _Mexican_

Fryers and made knowne unto them, that if our Superiour _Calvo_ would

give us leave, wee would willingly stay in _Mexico_ or in any Cloister

thereabouts, untill wee could better fit our selves to returne to

_Spain_ againe. But they being natives and borne in that Countrey

discovered presently unto us that inveterate spight and hatred which

they bare to such as came from _Spain_; they told us plainly that they

and true _Spaniards_ born did never agree, and that they knew their

Superiors would bee unwilling to admit of us; yet furthermore they

informed us that they thought we might be entertained in the Province

of _Guaxaca_, where half the Fryers were of _Spain_ and half Criolians

and Natives; but in case wee should not speed there, they would warrant

us we should be welcome to the Province of _Guatemala_, where almost

all the Fryers were of _Spain_, and did keep under such as were Natives

born in that Country. It did a little trouble us to consider that

_Guatemala_ was three hundred leagues off, and that we were ignorant

of the _Mexican_ tongue, and unprovided of mony and horses for so

long a journey. But yet we considered _Philippinas_ to be further,

and no hopes there of returning ever again to Christendome; wherefore

we resolved to rely upon Gods providence onely, and to venture upon a

three hundred leagues journey with what smal means we had, and to sell

what Books and small trifles we had to make as much money as might

buy each of us a horse. But while we were thus preparing our selves

secretly for _Guatemala_ wee were affrighted and disheartned with what

in the like case to ours happened. A Fryer of our company named Fryer

_Peter Borrallo_, without acquainting us or any other of his friends

with what he intended, made a secret escape from us, and (as after we

were informed) took his way alone to _Guatemala_. This so incensed our

Superior _Calvo_, that after great search and enquiry after him, he

betook himself to the Viceroy begging his assistance and Proclamation,

in the publick Market place, for the better finding out his lost sheep,

and alleadging that none ought to hide or privily to harbour any Fryer

that had been sent from _Spain_ to _Philippinas_ to preach there the

Gospell, for that the foresaid Fryers were sent by the King of _Spain_,

whose bread they had eate, and at whose charges they had been brought

from _Spain_ to _Mexico_, and at the same Kings charges ought to bee

carried from _Mexico_ to _Philippinas_; and therefore if any Fryer now

in the half-way should recant of his purpose of going to _Philippinas_,

and should by flight escape from his Superiour and the rest of his

company, the same ought to be punished as guilty of defrauding the

Kings charges. This reason of _Calvo_ being a politicke and state

reason prevailed so farre with the Viceroy, that immediately hee

commanded a Proclamation to bee made against whosoever should know of

the said _Peter Borrallo_ and should not produce him to his Highnesse,

or should harbour him or any other Fryer belonging to _Philippinas_

from that time forward until the ships were departed from _Acapulco_;

and that whosoever should trespasse against this Proclamation, should

suffer imprisonment at his Highnesse his will and and pleasure, and the

penalty of five hundred Duckats to bee paid in at the Kings Exchequer.

With this Proclamation _Calvo_ began to insult over us, and to tell

us, wee were the Kings slaves under his conduct, and that if any of us

durst to leave him (for hee was jealous of most of us) hee doubted not

but with the Viceroy his assistance and Proclamation he should find

both us and _Peter Borrallo_ out to our further shame and confusion.

This did very much trouble us, and made my _Irish_ friend _Thomas de

Leon_ his heart to faint, and his courage to relent, and utterly to

renounce before mee his former purposes of staying and hiding himselfe;

yet hee protested to mee, if I was still of the same minde, hee would

not discover mee; but seeing his weaknesse, I durst not trust him, but

made as if I were of his minde. Thus I betooke my self to the other

three of my friends (of whom one was _Antonio Melendez_ that had beene

the first cause of my comming from _Spain_) whom I found much troubled,

doubtfull and wavering what course to take.

They considered if wee should flie, what a shame it would be to us

to be taken and brought back to _Mexico_ as prisoners, and forcedly

against our wills to be shipped to _Philippinas_; they considered

further if they went, what a slavish and uncomfortable life they should

live in _Philippinas_, without any hopes of ever returning again to

Christendom; yet further they looked upon the Viceroy his Proclamation,

and thought it hard to breake through the opposition and authority

of so great a man; and lastly in the Proclamation they beheld the

estimation that _Calvo_ had of them, as of slaves and fugitives to be

cried in a publike Market place. But after all these serious thoughts

our only comfort was that _Peter Borallo_ was safely escaped, and (as

we were informed) had been met farre from _Mexico_ travailing alone

towards _Guatemala_. And we thought, why might not we escape as well

as he. Then I told them that my resolution was to stay, though alone I

returned either to _Spaine_, or tooke my journey to _Guatemala_; the

rest were glad to see mee resolute, and gave their hands that they

would venture as much as I should. Then we set upon the time when

we should take our flight, and agreed that every one should have a

Horse in readinesse in _Mexico_, and that the night before the rest

of our company should depart from _Mexico_ towards _Acapulco_ to take

shipping, we should by two and two in the evening leave _St. Jacintho_,

and meet in _Mexico_ where our Horses stood, and from thence set out

and travaile all the night, continuing our journey so the first two or

three nights and resting in the day time, untill we were some twenty

or thirty leagues from _Mexico_. For we thought the next morning

_Calvo_ awaking and missing us would not stop the journey of the rest

of his company for our sakes, to search and inquire after us; or if

he did, it would be but for one day or two at the most, till he had

inquired for us in _Mexico_, or a dayes journey in some of the common

or beaten rodes of _Mexico_, where we would be sure he should not heare

of us; for we also agreed to travail out of any common or knowne rode

for the first two or three nights. This resolution was by us as well

performed and carried on, as it had been agreed upon, though some had

been fearfull that a counsell betwixt foure could never be kept secret,

nor such a long journey as of nine hundred miles be compassed with

such small means of money as was among us, for the maintenance of our

selves and Horses; for after our Horses were bought, we made a common

purse, and appointed one to be the purse-bearer, & found that amongst

us all there were but twenty duckats, which in that rich and plentifull

country was not much more then here twenty _English_ shillings, which

seemed to us but as a morning dew, which would soone be spent in

provender only for our Horses; yet we resolved to goe on, relying more

upon the providence of God, then upon any earthly meanes; and indeed

this proved to us a far better support then all the drosse of gold and

silver could have done; and we reckoned that after we had travailed

fourty leagues from _Mexico_, and entred without feare into the rode,

we had for our twenty duckats neer fourty now in our common purse. The

reason was, for that most commonly we went either to Friers Cloisters

who knew us not, or to rich farmes of _Spaniards_ who thought nothing

too good for us, and would not onely entertaine us stately, but at our

departure would give us money for one or two daies journey. All our

feare was to get safely out of _Mexico_, for wee had been informed that

_Calvo_ had obtained from the Viceroy officers to watch in the chiefest

rodes both day and night untill he had departed with his Traine of

Friers to _Acapulco_.

And for all the Viceroy his Proclamation we got a true and trustie

friend, who offered to guide us out of _Mexico_ by such a way as we

needed not to feare any would watch for us. So with our friend and

a map about us to guide us after he had left us in the morning, we

cheerfully set out of _Mexico_ about ten of the clock at night, about

the middle of _February_, and meeting no body about _Guadalupe_ which

was the way wee went out (though the contrary way to _Guatemala_, which

on purpose we followed for feare the true way should be beset) we

comfortably travailed all that night, till in the morning we came to a

little Town of _Indians_, where we began to spend of our small stock,

calling upon the _Indians_ for a Turkey and Capon to break our fast

with our friend and guide before he returned to _Mexico_. Breakefast

being ended we took our leaves of him, and went to rest, that we might

be more able to performe the next nights journey, which was to Crosse

the Countrey towards _Atlisco_, which is in a valley of twenty miles

about at least, and doth give it the name of the valley of _Atlixco_

and is a valley much mentioned in all those parts, for the exceeding

great plenty of wheat that is there reaped every yeer, and is the

chief sustenance and reliefe of _Mexico_ and all the Townes about. In

this Valley are many rich Townes of _Spaniards_ and _Indians_; but we

shunned to enter into them, and went from farme to farme out of the

high-waies, where we found good entertainment of those rich Farmers

and Yeomen, who bare such respect unto the Preists, that truely they

thought themselves happy with our company. Here we began to shake off

all fear, and no more like Bats and Owles fly in the night, but that

we might with more pleasure enjoy the prospect of that valley, and of

the rest of the Countrey we travailed by day; yet still crossing the

Countrey, we went from thence towards another valley called the valley

of _St. Pablo_, or _Pauls_ valley, which though it be not as big as

the valley of _Atlisco_, yet is held to be a richer valley; for here

they enjoy a double harvest of wheat every yeer. The first seed they

sow is watered, and growes with the common season raine; and the second

seed which they sow in summer as soone as their first harvest is in,

when the season of raine is past, they water with many Springs which

fall into that Valley from the mountaines which round beset it, and

let in the water among their wheat at their pleasure, and take it away

when they see fit. Here live Yeomen upon nothing but their farms, who

are judged to worth some twenty thousand, some thirty thousand, some

fourty thousand duckats. In this valley we chanced to light upon one

farme where the Yeoman was country-man to my friend _Antonio Melendez_,

borne in _Segovia_ in _Spaine_, who for his sake kept us three daies

and nights with him. His table was as well furnished as the table of

a Knight might be, his side board full of silver boules and cups, and

plates instead of trenchers; he spared no dainties which might welcome

us to his table, no perfumes which might us delight in our chambers,

no musick (which his daughters were brought up to) which might with

more pleasure help to passe away the time. To him _Antonio Melendez_

made known our journey towards _Guatemala_; and from him we received

directions which way to steere our course untill we might be thoroughly

free from feare and danger; here we began to see the great providence

of God, who had brought us being strangers to such a friends house, who

not onely welcomed us to him, but when we departed gave us a guide for

a whole day, and bestowed upon us twenty duckats to helpe to bear our

charges. From this valley wee wheeled about to _Tasco_, a Towne of some

five hundred Inhabitants which enjoyeth great commerce with the Country

about by reason of the great store of Cotton-wool which is there. And

here we were very well entertained by a Franciscan Frier, who being of

_Spaine_ made the more of us, knowing we came from thence. Here we got

into the rode of _Guaxaca_, and went to _Chautla_, which also aboundeth

with Cotton-wool, but in it we found no entertainment but what our

owne purses would afford us. Next to this place is a great Town called

_Zumpango_, which doth consist of at least eight hundred Inhabitants,

many of them very rich both _Indians_ and _Spaniards_. Their

commodities are chiefly Cotton-wooll, and Sugar, and Cochinil. But

beyond this Town are the mountaines called _la Misteca_, which abound

with many rich and great Townes, and doe trade with the best silke that

is in all that Country. Here is also great store of Wax and Hony; and

_Indians_ live there who traffique to _Mexico_ and about the Countrey

with twenty or thirty mules of their own, chopping and changing, buying

and selling commodities, and some of them are thought to be worth ten,

or twelve, or fifteen thousand duckats, which is much for an _Indian_

to get among the _Spaniards_, who thinke all the riches of _America_

little enough for themselves. From these mountaines of _Misteca_ to

_Guaxaca_ we saw little observable, only Townes of two or three hundred

inhabitants; rich Churches, well built, and better furnished within

with lampes, candlesticks, crownes of silver for the severall statues

of Saints; and all the way wee did observe a very fruitfull soil for

both _Indian_ and _Spanish_ wheat, much Sugar, much Cotton-wool, Hony,

and here and there some Cochinil, and of Plantins, and other sweet and

luscious fruit great store; but above all great abundance of cattel,

whose Hides are one of the greatest commodities that from those parts

are sent to _Spaine_. Some reported that about _Misteca_ formerly

much gold had been found, and the _Indians_ were wont to use it much,

though now they will not be knowne of any, lest the greedinesse of the

_Spaniards_ bring them to misery and destruction, as it hath their

neighbours about them. Also it is reported for certaine that there are

Mines of silver, though as yet the _Spaniards_ have not found them.