_The number of such subiects as doo pay vnto the king tribute in
all these fifteene prouinces._
Vnderstanding the greatnesse of this kingdome of China, and the infinite
number of people that is therein, it is an easie thing to bee beleeued,
the number that euery prouince hath of such as do pay tribute, as is
taken out of the booke that the officers haue, whereby they do recouer
that tribute: and it is affirmed, that there are as many more, such as
are free and do pay no tribute. The loytians and ministers of iustice,
all sorts of soldiers, both by sea and land (which is an infinite
number), are free and do pay nothing; the number as followeth.
The prouince of Paguia[80] hath two millions seuen hundred and foure
thousand that doth pay tribute to the king.
The prouince of Santon, 3 millions and 700 thousand tributers.
The prouince of Foquien, two millions foure hundred and seuen thousand
tributers.
The prouince of Olam, two millions two hundred and foure thousand
tributers.
The prouince of Sinsay, three millions three hundred and foure score
thousand.
The prouince of Susuan, two millions and fiftie thousand.
The prouince of Tolanchia, there where as the king is resident, and is
the biggest of them al, sixe millions fourescore and ten thousand.
The prouince of Cansay, two millions three hundred and fiue thousand.
The prouince of Oquiam, three millions and eight hundred thousand.
The prouince of Ancheo, two millions eight hundred and foure thousand.
The prouince of Gonan, one million and two hundred thousand.
The prouince of Xanton, one million nine hundred fortie and foure
thousand.
The prouince of Quicheu, two millions thirtie and foure thousand.
The prouince of Chequeam, two millions two hundred and fortie foure
thousand.
The prouince of Sancii, which is the least of all the prouinces, hath
one million sixe hundred threescore and twelue thousand tributers.
By this account it is found, that the tribute payers are verie many: and
it is approoued in manie places of this historie whereas they do treate
of the greatnes of this kingdome, that it is the mightiest and biggest
that is to bee read of in all the world. God, for His mercies sake,
bring them to the knowledge of His lawe, and take them out from the
tyrannie of the diuell, wherein they are wrapped.