Contayning the third Booke, of my third Travailes.
Now swolne ambition, bred from curious toile
Invites my feet, to tread parch'd Æthiops Soile,
To sight great Prester Jehan, and his Empire;
That mighty King, their Prince, their Priest, their Sire;
Their Lawes, Religion, Manners, Life and frame,
And Amais, mount-rais'd, Library of Fame.
Well, I am sped, bids Englands Court adiew,
And by the way the Hiberne bounds I view;
In whose defects, the truth like Razor sharpe
Shall sadly tune, my new-string'd Irish Harpe:
Then scud I France, and crossed the Pyrheneise
At the Columbian heights, which threat the skies;
And coasting Pampelon, I trac'd all Spaine,
From Behobia, to Jubile Taure againe.
Then rest'd at Malaga, where I was shent
And taken for a Spie, crush'd, rackt, and rent.
Where ah! (when Treason tride) by fals position;
They wrest'd on me their lawlesse Inquisition:
Which after Tortures, Hunger, Vermine gnashes,
Condemn'd me quick, stake-bound, to burn in ashes:
Gods Providence comes in, and I'me discovered
By Merchants meanes, by Aston last delivered:
Where noble Maunsell, Generall of that Fleete,
That I was rack't for; did kind Halkins greete
With strict command, to send me home for Court,
To show King James, my torments, pangs, and tort:
Loe I am come, to Bath I'me sent, and more
Mine hoplesse life, made Worlds my sight deplore;
Which here I'le sing, in Tragicke tune to all
That love the Truth, and looke for Babels fall.
But now having finished the two Descriptions, of my first and second
adventures; it rests now most necessary, to relate the meritorious
designe, and miserable effect of my third Voyage. After I had (I say)
by the great Providence of God, escaped infinite dangers, by Seas
suffering thrice shipwracke, by Land, in Woods and on Mountaynes
often invaded; by ravenous Beasts, crawling and venemous Wormes daily
incombred; by home-bred Robbers, and remote Savages; five times stripd
to the skin; excessive fastidiousnesse, unspeakable adversities,
parching heates, scorching drouth, intollerable distresses of hunger,
imprisonments, and cold; yet all these almost incredible sufferings
past, could never abate the flame of mine austiere affection conceived;
but ambitious curiosity, exposing me to a third Voyage, I may say as
Æneas did in his penetentiall mood:
O socii neque enim ignari sumus ante malorum,
O passi graviora, dabit Deus his quoque finem.
O Socials! we're not ignorant of losses;
O suffrings sad, God too, will end these crosses.
But to observe a methodicall order, I thinke it best to show the
unacquainted Reader, a reasonable satisfaction for undertaking this
third, and almost invincible attempt.
First, the most speciall and urgent cause, proceeded from a necessary
good (the necessity of knowledge) in the requisite perfection, of
Europes full and spacious sight, the ancient Tierce, and now most
Christian world; wanting formerly no part thereof unseene, as well
under the Turke as Christian, except Ireland and the halfe of Spaine.
[Certaine approved reasons.] The second cause was mooved, from a more
insatiate content, that when I had, and having compassed all Europe,
my Resolution, was to borrow a larger dimmense of ground in Affricke
then formerly I had done in twice before, even to Æthiopia, Prester
Jehans Dominions. For the same effect, and a greater impression to
my Resolution, I set Pen to Paper, drawing from the distaffe of the
Retractable Muses, a Poeticall Pamphelet; Dedicated to themselves,
to their profound Apollo, his then hopefull Heire, and diverse Noble
Peeres of both Kingdomes.
And having from a Royall favour obtayned his Majesties Letters and
Seales of safe Conduct, and Regall recommendation, to all Kings,
Princes and Dukes, &c. I in all obsequious humility, bad farewell, to
this sequestrate and most auspicuous Monarchy; and arriving at Dublin
in Ireland, August the two and twenty, one thousand sixe hundred and
nineteene, I saluted the Right Honorable Sir Oliver St Johns late
Lord Grandison, and then Lord Deputy there, from whom for regard and
singular courtesies, I was greatly obliged: So was I also to many of
the English Nobility and Knight hood there: who through the whole
Countrey where ever I came intertayned mee kindly, sending Guides
with mee from place to place; yea, and sometimes safe-guards also;
beside in their houses great good-cheere and welcome: But in speciall
a dutifull remembrance I owe, to the memory of that sometimes [The
matchlesse Lord Cichester for vertue, wisdome, & valour.] judicious
and Religious Lord Arthur, late Lord Cichester, Baron of Belfast,
&c. Who in his time for Vertue, Wisedome, and Valour, wore the Dyademe
of Love, and Garland of true Noblenesse: Of whom, and for whose losse,
if I should more praise, and longer lament, my Inke would turne to
brinish teares, and I to helpelesse sorrow: But leaving him who lived
in goodnesse here, and now in glory for ever, I celebrate these Lines,
to his eternall Fame.
If ever Bounty shin'd in loyall Brest?
If ever Judgment, flow'd from generous mouth?
If ever Vice-Roy, rul'd this Kingdome best?
If ever Valour, honour'd hopefull youth?
If ever Wisdome, Astreas worth possest?
If ever Vertue, was inclin'd to rueth?
If ever Justice, enormities redrest?
If ever Patron, paterne was of truth?
Then noble Cichester, the Heavens assigne,
These gifts (thy honour'd parts) were truely thine.
And now after a generall surveigh of the whole Kingdome, (the
North-west part of Canoch excepted) accomplished: from the 1. of
September til the last of February; I found the goodnesse of the Soyle,
more then answerable to mine expectation, the defect only remayning
(not speaking of our Collonies) in the people, and from them, in the
bosome of two gracelesse sisters, Ignorance and Sluggishnesse.
[The foure Provinces of Ireland.] This Kingdome is divided in
foure Provinces, although some allude five, that is, Easterne and
Westerne Maith, but they are understood to be annexed to Leinster:
Their names are these, Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Canoch:
The South-most whereof, is Munster a soile (and so is Leinster in
most parts) nothing inferiour, if seasonably manured, to the best
grounds in England. The Iland lyeth almost in a Rotundo, being every
way spacious; the greatest River whereof is Shannon, whose course,
amounteth to eight score miles, inclosing within it many little Iles.
And this I dare avow, there are moe Rivers, Lakes, Brookes,
Strands, Quagmires, Bogs, and Marishes, in this Countrey, then
in all Christendome besides; for Travalling there in the Winter,
all my dayly solace, was sincke down comfort; whiles Boggy-plunging
deepes kissing my horse belly; whiles over-mired Saddle, Body, and
all; and often or ever set a swimming, in great danger, both I, and
my Guides of our Lives: That for cloudy and fountayne-bred perils,
I was never before reducted to such a floting Laborinth. Considering
that in five moneths space, I quite spoyled sixe horses, and my selfe
as tyred as the worst of them.
And now I call to memory (not without derision) though I conceale
the particular place and Prelate; it was my Fortune in the County
of Dunagale, to bee joviall with a Bishop at his Table, where
after diverse Discourses, my ghostly Father grew offended with mee,
for tearming of his Wife Mistresse: which, when understood, I both
called her Madame, and Lady Bishop: Whereupon he grew more incensed;
and leaving him unsatisfied; resolve me Lector? if it be the Custome
heere or not? and if, amends shall repay over-sight, a ghostly Wife,
shall be still Madam Lady with me; if not, mine observed manner shall
be Mistresse.
But now to come to my punctuall Discourse of Ireland; true it is,
to make a fit comparison, the Barbarian Moore, the Moorish Spaniard,
the Turke, and the Irish-man, are [The ignorant and sluggish life of
the common Irish.] the least industrious, and most sluggish livers
under the Sunne, for the vulgar Irish I protest, live more miserably
in their brutish fashion, then the undaunted, or untamed Arabian,
the Divelish-idolatrous Turcoman, or the Moone-worshipping Caramines:
showing thereby a greater necessity they have to live, then any
pleasure they have, or can have in their living.
There Fabrickes are advanced three or foure yardes high, Pavillion-like
incircling, erected in a singular Frame, of smoake-torne straw,
greene long prick'd truff, and Raine-dropping watles. Their several
Roomes of Palatiat divisions, as Chambers, Halls, Parlors, Kitchins,
Barnes, and Stables, are all inclosed in one, and that one (perhaps)
in the midst of a Mire; where, when in foule weather, scarcely can
they finde a drye part, whereupon to Repose, their cloud-baptized
heads. Their shirts be woven, of the wooll or Linnen of their owne
nature, and their penurious foode semblable, to their ruvid condition.
And lastly, these onely titular Christians, are so ignorant in
their superstitious profession of Popery, that neither they, nor the
greatest part of their Priests know, or understand, what the mistery
of the Masse is, which they dayly see, and the other celebrat, nor
what the name of Jesus is, either in his divine, or humane nature:
Aske him of his Religion? he replyeth, what his father, his great
grand-father were, that will he be also: And hundreds of better
then the common sort, have demanded mee, if Jerusalem, and Christs
sepulcher were in Ireland, and if the Holy Land was contiguat with
Saint Patrickes purgatory.
[A foolish and superstitious errour.] They also at the sight of
each new Moone, (I speake it credibly) bequeath their Cattell to
her protection, obnixiously imploring the pale Lady of the night,
that shee will leave their Bestiall in as good plight, as shee found
them: And if sicke, scabbed, or sore, they solicitat her mayden-fac'd
Majesty to restore them to their health, in which absurdity, they
far surmount the silly Sabuncks, and Garolinean Moores of Lybia:
Indeed of all things (besides their ignorance) I onely lamented their
heavie bondage under three kind of Masters; the Land-lord for his Rent,
the Minister for his Tythes, and the Romish Priest for his Fees: And
remarke when their owne Irish Rent masters have any voyage for Dublin,
or peradventure superspended at home in feasting of strangers, then
must these poore ones be taxed and afflicted with the supply of the
devasted provision of their prodigall houses; otherwise in supporting
their superfluous charges for Dublin.
O? what a slavish servitude doe these silly wretches indure, the
most part of whom in all their lives, have never third part food,
Natures clothing, nor a secure shelter for the Winter cold.
The miserable sight whereof, and their sad sounding groanes, have
often drawne a sorrowful remorse from my humane compassion.
As for their Gentry such as are brought up here at London, learne
to become a great deale more civill, than these who are brought up
at home, after their owne rude and accustomable manner: And this
I observed, in my traversing the whole Kingdome, I never saw one,
or other, neither could move any of that selfe Nation, to pledge
or present his Majesties health; but as many other healths as you
list; they will both fasten, and receive from you, till they fall
in the muddy hotch potch of their dead Grandfathers understanding:
Indeed for entertainment of strangers they are freely disposed,
and there Gentlemen of any good sort, reserve ever in their houses,
Spanish Sack, and Irish Uscova, and will be as tipsy with their wives,
their Priests, and their friends, as though they were naturaly infeft,
in the eleven royall Tavernes of Naples.
[Two intollerable abuses in Ireland.] And now amongst many, there
are two intollerable abuses of protections in that Kingdome: The
one of Theeves and Woodcarnes, the other of Priests and Papists:
I discourse of these corruptions now, as I found them then.
The first is prejudiciall to all Christian civillnesse tranquill
government, and a great discouragment for our collonizd plantators
there, belonging to both soyles of this Iland, being dayly molested,
and nightly incombered with these blood-sucking Rebells.
And notwithstanding of their barbarous crueltie, ever executed
at all advantages, with slaughter and murder upon the Scots and
English dwellers there; yet they have and find at their owne wills
Symonaicall protections, for lesser or longer times; ever as the
confused disposers, have their law-sold hands, filled with the bloody
bribes of slaughtered lives, high-way, and house-robbed people: And
then thereafter their ill got meanes being spent, like unto dogs,
they returne backe to their former vomit; so jugling with their in,
and outgoings, like to the restlesse Ocean, that they cannot, nor
never did, become true [The filthy corruption of Irish Priests and
Wood-Carnes, theevish Rebells.] subjects to our King, nor faithfull
friends to their Countrey: Unlesse by extremity of Justice, the
one still hanged before the other, the remanent by the gallowes may
examplifie amendment, contrarywise that Land shall never be quiet:
for these villanous Woodcarnes are but the Hounds of their hunting
Priests, against what faction soever, their malicious malignity is
intended: Partly for intertaynement, partly for particular splenes,
and lastly, for a general disturbance of the Countrey, for the Priests
greater security and stay.
The other abuse is, their Libertinous Masses, the redresse whereof,
I first to the Heavens, and then to my Prince bequeath: whose Sabboth
recusant mony, whereof they bragge (as they say) in derision of
our luke-warme dispensation, tendeth to none other purpose, but to
obumbrat the true light of the Gospell, and to feed their absurd,
and almost irrevocable ignorance.
And neverthelesse at their dayly meetings (experience taught mee) there
was never a more repining people against our Prince and Church as they
be: for in this presumption a twofold cause arriseth, want of zeale,
and Church discipline in our part, and the officious nine penny Masse
on their part: yea, all, and each of them, so exacted and compounded
with at higher or lower rates, as the officers in this nature please.
The distribution whereof I nowaies paralell to the sleight concaviating
veynes of the earth, nor the sole supply of high-rising Atlas, neither
to invelope the Perpendiculars of long-reaching Caucasus: howsoever
tect-demolished Churches, unpassable Bridges, indigent Schollers,
and distressed Families be supported there-with, I am as cleare of
it as they, although I smart by the contrary confusion.
But leaving this and observing my Method, I remember I saw in
Irelands North-parts, two remarkable sights: [A bad and uncivill
Husbandry in Ireland.] The one was their manner of Tillage, Ploughes
drawne by Horse-tayles, wanting garnishing, they are only fastned,
with straw, or wooden Ropes to their bare Rumps, marching all side
for side, three or foure in a Ranke, and as many men hanging by
the ends of that untoward Labour. It is as bad a Husbandry I say,
as ever I found among the wildest Savages alive; for the Caramins,
who understand not the civill forme of Agriculture; yet they delve,
hollow, and turne over the ground, with manuall and Wooden instruments:
but they the Irish have thousands of both Kingdomes daily labouring
beside them; yet they can not learne, because they wil not learne, to
use garnishing, so obstinate they are in their barbarous consuetude,
unlesse punishment and penalties were inflicted; and yet most of them
are content to pay twenty shillings a yeare, before they wil change
their Custome.
[Northerne Irish women giving sucke to their Babes behind their
shoulders.] The other as goodly sight I saw, was women travayling
the way, or toyling at home, carry their Infants about their neckes,
and laying the dugges over their shoulders, would give sucke to the
Babes behinde their backes, without taking them in their armes: Such
kind of breasts, me thinketh were very fit, to be made money bags for
East or West-Indian Merchants, being more then halfe a yard long,
and as wel wrought, as any Tanner, in the like charge, could ever
mollifie such Leather.
As for any other customes they have, to avoyd prolixitie I spare;
onely, before my pen flee over Seas, I would gladly shake hands with
some of our Churchmen there, for better are the wounds of a friend,
than the sweet smiles of a flatterer, for love and trueth can not
dissemble.
Many dissembling impudents intrude themselves in this high calling
of God, who are not truely, neither worthily thereunto called; the
ground here arrising either from a carnall or carelesse presumption,
otherwise from needy greed, and lacke of bodily maintenance.
[An Ecclesiasticke corruption in unlawfull Preachers.] Such is now the
corruption of time, that I know here even Mechanick men admitted in the
place of Pastors: yea, and rude bred Souldiers whose education was at
the Musket mouth, are become there, both Lybian grave, and unlearned
Church-men: Nay; besides them professed; indeed professed Schollers:
whose warbling mouthes ingorged with spoonefuls of bruised Latine,
seldome or never expressed, unlesse the force of quaffing, spew it
forth from their empty sculles: Such I say, interclude their doctrine,
betweene the thatch and the Church-wall tops; and yet their smallest
stipends shall amount to one, two, three, or foure hundred pounds
a yeare.
Whereupon you may demand mee, how spend they, or how deserve they
this? I answer, their deserts are nought, and the fruite thereof
as naughtily spent: for Sermons and Prayers they never have any,
neither never preached any, nor can preach.
And although some could, as perhaps they seeming would, they shall
have no Auditour (as they say) but bare walles, the plants of their
Parishes, being the rootes of mere Irish. As concerning their cariage,
in spending such sacrilegious fees, the course is thus.
The Alehouse is their Church, the Irish Priests their Consorts,
their Auditors be fill and fetch more, their Text Spanish Sacke,
their Prayers carrousing, their singing of Psalmes the whiffing
of Tobacco, their last blessing Aqua vitæ, and all their doctrine,
sound drunkenesse.
[A flattering covenant twixt Ministers and Masse Priests.] And
whensoever these parties meete, their parting is Dane-like from a Dutch
Pot, and the Minister stil purse bearer defrayeth all charges for the
Priest: Arguments of Religion, like Podolian Polonians they succumbe;
their conference onely pleading mutuall forbearance; the Minister
affrayed of the Priests Wood-Carnes, and the Priests as fearefull
of the Ministers apprehending, or denoting them; contracting thereby
a Gibeonized covenant, yea, and for more submissions sake, hee will
give way to the Priest to mumble Masse in his Church, where hee in
all his life made never Prayer nor Sermon.
Loe there are some of the abuses of our late weake, and stragling
Ecclesiasticks there, and the soule-sunke sorrow of godlesse Epicures
and Hypocrites.
To all which, and much more have I beene an occular Testator, and
sometimes a constrayned consociat to their companeonry; yet not so
much inforced, as desirous to know the behaviour and conversation of
such mercenary Jebusites.
Great God amend it, for it is great pitty to behold it, and if
it continue so still, as when I saw them last; O farre better it
were! that these ill bestowed Tythes, and Church-wall Rents, were
distributed to the poore, and needy, than to suffocate the swine-fed
bellies of such idle and prophane Parasits.
And here another generall abuse, I observed that whensoever any
Irish dye, the friend of the defunct (besides other fees) paying
twenty shillings to the English Curat, shall get the corpes of the
disceased to be buryed within the Church, yea often, even under the
Pulpit foote: And for lucre interred in Gods Sanctuary when dead,
who when alive would never approach, nor enter the gates of Sion;
to worshipe the Lord, nor conforme themselves to true Religion.
Truely such and the like abuses, and evill examples of lewd lives,
have beene the greatest hinderance of that Lands conversion; for
such like wolves have beene from time to time, but stumbling blocks
before them; regarding more their owne sensuall and licentious ends,
than the glory of God, in converting of one soule unto his Church.
[Ministeriall offices strangely abused.] Now as concerning the
conscionable carriage of the Hybernian Clergy, aske mee, and there
my reply: As many of them (for the most part) as are Protestant
Ministers, have their Wives, children, and servants invested Papists;
and many of these Church-men at the houre of their death (like dogges)
returne backe to their former vomit: Witnesse the late Viccar of Calin
(belonging to the late and last, Richard, Earle of Desmond,) who being
on death bed, and having two hundred pounds a yeare; finding him selfe
to forsake both life and stipend, send straight for a Romish Priest,
and received the Papall Sacrament: Confessing freely in my audience,
that hee had beene a Romane Catholick all his life, dissembling
onely with his Religion, for the better maintaining of his wife and
children. And being brought to his buriall place, hee was interred in
the Church, with the which hee had played the Ruffian all his life;
being openly carryed at mid-day with Jesuits, Priests, and Friers of
his owne Nation, and after a contemptible manner in derision of our
profession, and Lawes of the Kingdome.
Infinite moe examples of this kind could I recite, and the like
resemblances of some being alive; but I respectively suspend (wishing
a reformation of such deformation) and so concludeth this Clergicall
corruption there. Yet I would not have the Reader to thinke that I
condemne all our Clergie there, no God forbid, for I know there are
many sound and Religious Preachers of both Kingdomes among them,
who make conscience of their calling, and live as Lanthorns to
uncapable ignorants, and to those stragling Stoicks I complayne of,
condemnatory Judges; for it is a grievous thing to see incapable men,
to jugle with the high mysteries of mans salvation.
[My departure from Ireland to France.] And now after the fastidious
ending of a tempestuous raine-sacking toyle, I imbarked at Yoghall
in Munster, February 27. 1620. in a little French Pinke bound for
St. Mallo in Bretagne. Where, when transported, I set face to Paris,
where I found the workes of two scelerat and perverst Authors: the
one of which had disdainefully wrot against the life and raigne of
Queene Elizabeth of sempiternall renowne: the other ignominiously,
upon the death of our late Queene Anne of ever blessed memory. The
circumstances whereof, I will not avouch, since Malaga detaineth the
notes of their abjured names, and perfidiat paines.
A just reward (may I say) refounded, upon these fond conceites,
you have of the fantasticke French: Especially these superstitious
straglers heere; who, when they have sucked the milke of their selfe
ends, and your lavish Liberalities without desert; returne a kicke with
their heeles (like to the Colt of an Asse) in your teeth agayne. And
there your meritorious thankes, and their shamefull slaunders, in
acquittance of your vayne Expence.
[The fantastick foolery of the French.] Tell me, if you be tyed like
Apes to imitate their ever-changing humours? and can you draw from
them (in any Art or cariage) a greater draught, then they draw from
the Italian, for first they be Imitators; next, Mutators; thirdly,
Temptators; and lastly, your Plantators, in all the varieties of
vanity. Have you a desire to learne modestly to Daunce, skilfully
to Fence, dexteriously to manage Great Horses, view Forraine sights,
learne Languages, Humane policies, and the like conducements:
Then rather reach, the Fountaine, whence they flow,
Whence Science, Arts, and Practise lively grow;
Than sucke the streames, of separate distasts,
He well derives, his labour never wasts;
Fond Fooles affect, what foolery Fooles effect,
The sequell sight, than sense, doth more infect.
Besides these two infamous Authors, what hath Edee, the Idea of a
Knave, (and Gentle man of the French Privy Chamber) done; who like
a Wood weather cocke, and giddy headed Foole, (full of deficient
Vapours) hath shamefully stayned with his shamelesse Pen, the light
of this Kingdome, which now I omit to avouch till a fitter time.
Thus, they fondly Write, thus they pratle, thus they sing, thus they
Daunce, thus they brangle, thus they dally in capritziat humours,
and thus they vary, in the fleering conceite of sa, sa, sa, sa, sa,
far beyond the inconstancy of all female inconstancies.
But to conclude this Epitome of France, three things [Certaine caveats
for strangers, that goe to France.] I wish the way-faring man to
prevent there: First, the eating of Victuals, and drinking of Wine
without price making; least (when he hath done) for the stridor of
his teeth his charges be redoubled. Next to choose his lodging (if
it fall out in any way-standing Taverne) far from palludiat Ditches,
least the vehemency of chirking frogs, vexe the wish'd-for Repose of
his fatigated body, and cast him in a vigilant perplexity.
And lastly, unlesse earely hee would arise, I never wish him to lye
neere the fore-streetes of a Towne; because of the disturbant clamours
of the Peasant samboies or nayle-woodden shoes: whose noyse like an
æquivox, resembleth the clashing armour of Armies; or the clangour
of the Ulyssen-tumbling Horse to fatall Troy.
But now to my purpose, leaving Paris behind me, I arrived at Pau in
Bearne. This Province is a principality of it selfe, anciently annexed
to the Kingdom of Navarre: lying betweene the higher Gascony of Guyan,
and the Pyrhenei Mountaynes of Baske, bordering with the North parts of
Navarre: Both of which, belongeth to the French King, except a little
of Baske toward the Columbian Alpes, and that the Spaniard commandeth.
Pau is the Justice seate of Bearne, having a goodly Castle, situate
on an artificiall Rocke; and in this place was that Martial Henry du
Burbone la Quatriesme borne, than King of Navarre.
Here be the finest Gardens in Christendome, the Gardens of Pretolino
(5. miles from Florence) only excepted. Yet for faire Arbors, spacious
over-siling walkes, and incorporate Trees of interchanging growths,
it surpasseth Pretolino: but the other for the variety of fructiferous
Trees, rare and admirable ponds, artificial fountaynes; Diana, and
her Allabaster Nymphly-portrayed trayne, the counter-banding force of
Agvadotti, and the exquisite banqueting Roome, contrived among sounding
unseene waters, in forme of Gargantus body, it much excelleth Pau.
[Biscai in Spayne is a scurrile Countrey.] Hence, I discended the
River of Orthes to Baion, and crossing the River Behobia, which
divideth France and Spaine, I entered in Biscai June 19. 1620. This
is a Mountaynous and invincible Countrey, (of which Victoria is
the chiefe City) being a barren and almost unprofitable Soyle. The
speciall commodities whereof, are Sheep, Woole as soft as silke,
Goates, and excellent good Iron: Cornes they have none, or little at
all, neither wine, but what is brought from Navarre in Pelagoes or
Swineskins, carried on Mulets backes.
Leaving Biscai, I entred Navarre, and came to Pampelona its
Metropolitane Citty: Here I found the poorest Viceroy (nomen sine
re) with the least meanes to maintaine him, that ever the World
affoorded such a stile. Navarre is but a little Kingdome, amounting
in length (with the South Pendicles of the high Pirhenese) to twenty
three leagues: That is, betweene Porto di St. Joanne in Baske, and
Grono upon the River Hebro, dividing the old Castilia and Navarre. In
breadth it extendeth to seaventeene Leagues, that is betweene Varen in
Biscai, and Terrafranca in Arragon: The soyle is indifferent fertile
of Cornes and Wines. From thence I set East-ward to Syragusa, the
Capitall Seate of Arragon.
Arragon, hath Navarre to the West, South Valentia Kingdome, East, and
South-east Catalogna; and on the North the Alpes Pyrhenese. It is an
auncient and famous Kingdome, under whose Jurisdiction, were both the
petty Kingdomes of Valentia, & Barselona: And not long ago traduced
to the Castilian King by marriage. For although Castilia hath the
language, they have the lineall dissent of the Romans; the Inhabitants
whereof being instinctively endued with all humane affabilities. From
thence returning through the old Castilia, or Kingdome of Burgos,
in the way to St. Iago of Compostella in Galitia: It was my fortune,
at St. Domingo to enter the Towne-Church: accompanied with two French
Puppies, mindfull to shew me a miraculous matter.
Where, when come, I espied over my head opposit to the great Altar,
two milke white Hennes, enraveled in [A leying miracle.] an iron Cage,
on the inner side of the Porches Promontore. And demanding why they
were kept? Or what they signified? Certaine Spaniards replyed come
along with us, and you shall see the Storie, and being brought to the
(Choro) it was drawne thereon as followeth. The father and the sonne,
two Burboneons of France; going in Pilgrimage to St. James, it was
their lot to lodge here in an Inne: Where supper ended, and reckoning
payed, the Host perceiving their denariat charge, he entered their
Chamber, when they were a sleepe, and in bed, conveying his owne
purse in the young mans Budget.
To morrow earely; the two innocent Pilgrimes, footing the hard
bruising way, were quickly over-hied by the Justice; where the Host
making search for his purse, found it in the sonnes bagge. Whereupon
instantly, and in the same place hee was hanged, and left hanging
there, seazing on their money be a sententiall forfeiture.
The sorrowfull Father (notwithstanding) continued his Pilgrimage
to Compostella. Where, when come, and devotion made, our Lady of
Mount Serata appeared to him saying: Thy prayers are heard, and thy
groanes have pierced my heart, arise, and returne to Saint Domingo
for thy sonne liveth. And hee accordingly returned, found it so,
and the sonne-hanged Monster, after 30. dayes absence, spoke thus
from the Gallowes, Father, goe to our Host, and shew him I live, then
speedily returne. By which direction the old man entred the Towne,
and finding the Host at Table, in breaking up of two roasted Pullets,
[A damnable delusion of a divellish miracle.] told him, and sayd:
My sonne liveth, come and see. To which the smiling Host replyed,
he is as surely alive on the Gallowes, as these two Pullets be alive
in the dish. At which protestation, the two fire-scorched fowles
leapt out suddainly alive, with heads, wings, feathers, and feet,
and kekling, tooke flight thrice about the Table. The which amazing
sight, made the astonished Host to confesse his guiltines; and the
other relieved from the rope, he was hung up in his place, allotting
his house for an Hospitality to Pilgrimes for ever.
There are still two Hennes reserved here, in memory of this miracle,
and aye changed, as they grow fat for the Priests chops, being
freely given to the place. And I dare swearing say, these Priests
eate fatter Hennes, than Don Phillipo him selfe, they being fed by
the peoples devotion, at their enterance to the morning and evening
sacrifices, and are tearmed holy Hennes. Infinite paper could I blot,
with relating the like absurdities, and miraculous lies of the Romane
Church, but leaving them till a fitter occasion, I proceed. From thence
traversing a great part of the higher Asturia, I entred in Galitia,
and found the Countrey so barren, the people so poore, and victuals so
scarce, that this importunate inforcement, withdrew me from S. Jacques,
to Portugale: Where I found little better, or lesser reliefe, their
soyles being absolute sterile, desartuous, and mountainous.
[The Kingdome of Portugale.] Portugale was formerly called Lusitania,
and Hispania, ulteriora: It is in length 320. miles, large 68. and
sometimes under: In the Moorish domination it was divided in two
Kingdomes, the one reserveth the name of all; the other was called
Agarbas: A word Arabick that signifieth the part Occidentall: And
were divided with the River Guadion, and the two Castles Odebera,
and Aleotino: Agarbas was toward the South, & Portugale Northward.
Portugale is now confined on the South, and South-East with Andolusia:
West and South-West, the maine Ocean. Galitia to the North: And
Eastward the old and new Castilia. After twenty dayes fastidious
climbing in this Kingdome, I returned to Salamancha in Castilia
Vecchia; the Sacerdotall University of Spaine, whence springeth these
Flockes of Studientes, that over-swarme the whole land with rogueries,
robberies, and begging. From thence traversing the Alpes of Siera de
Caderama, (which divide the two Castilias) I discended the South side
of the mountaines, and arrived at the Escurial; where then late King
Phillip the third, had his residence.
[The palace of Escuriall.] This Pallace standeth alone, and founded
upon the skirt of a perpendicular hill of Caderama, squared out from
a devalling steepnesse, having a large prospect Southwardly towards
the Evenise mountaines beyond Toledo. This palatiat cloyster is
quadrangled foure stories high, the uppermost whereof, is window-set
in the blew tecture: The stone worke below, having three rankes of
larger windowes, incircling the whole quadrangles, and French-like high
rigged. At every spacious squadrat corner, there is an high Turret
erected, above the coverture, whose tops beare each of them a golden
Globe. In the middle court standeth a round incorporate Church, arising
outward in a rotundo, with a wide leaden top, and on each side thereof
a squadrat Steeple, higher then the round, making a goodly shew. It
hath neither outward walles nor gates, but the two selfe doores of
the eleven incloystered petty Courts, save onely some office houses
without, and they stand alone by the hill broken side. [Escurial is
rather a Monastery than Palace.] I may rather tearme it a Monastery,
then a Kingly Pallace, having a hundred and fifty Monkes, Chartuzians,
of St. Hieronimoes order living within it; the King onely remaining
in a private corner, at his comming thither. Nay at that instant,
he was so private that before I saw his face, I could not beleeve,
that the Patrone of so great a Monarchy, could be so quiet; yea,
as quiet as a Countrey Baron is with us, and had lived so nine
weekes before. The house it selfe I confesse, excelleth in beauty,
that Constantinopolitan Seralia, of the great Turke: though not in
divisions, and ground distances, yet for a maine incorporate house,
and was builded by King Philip the second, standing seven leagues
from Madrile, to which I arrived.
Here is the residence of the Court though formerly at Valladoli:
Madrid or Madrile, is the Center or middle part of Spaine, situate
in the Kingdome of Toledo, the new Castilia. And distant from Lisbone
in Portugale Westward one hundred leagues: From Sevilia in Andoluzia
ninety leagues: From Grenada Southward, sixty eight leagues: Barselona
in Catalogna, East, South-eastward one hundred leagues: From Valentia
fifty leagues: From Siragusa in Arragon Eastward fifty three leagues:
From Saint Sebastian in Biscai North-westward seventy leagues: And
from Pampelona in Navarre, North-eastward, forty nine leagues. Spaine
generally, is a masse of mountaines, a barren ill manured soyle:
Neither well inhabited nor populous: Yea, so desartuous that in
the very heart of Spaine, I have gone eighteene leagues, (two dayes
journey) unseeing house or Village, except two Ventas, Tavernes. And
commonly eight leagues without any house: Villages be so farre distant,
the Rockie Seraes or Alpes so innumerable.
[It is miserable travelling in Spaine.] It is miserable travelling,
lesse profitable, in these ten Provinces, or petty Kingdomes, hard
lodging and poore, great scarcity of beds and deare: And no ready
drest diet, unlesse you buy it raw; and cause dresse, or dresse it
your selfe, buying first in one place your fire, your meate from
the Butcher, your bread from the Baker, your Wine from the Taverne,
your Fruites, Oyle, and Hearbes from the Botega, carying all to the
last place, your bed-lodging: Thus must the weary Stranger toile,
or else fast: And in infinite places for Gold nor money can have no
victuals; but restrained to a relenting jejunation. The high-minded
Spaniard and their high topped mountaines, have an infused contention
together. The one through arrogant ambition, would invade the whole
earth to inlarge his dominions: The other by a steepe swolne hight,
seeme to threaten the Heavens to pull down Jupiter from his throne. And
as I take it, the Spaniard being of a low stature, borroweth his
high-minded breast from the high topped mountaines, for the one in
quality, and the other in quantity, be extraordinarily infounded.
Certaine it is, as the Spaniard in all things standeth mainely upon his
reputation (but never to avouch it with single combat) so he vaunteth
not a little of his antiquity, deriving his pedegree from Tubal,
the Nephew of Noe. But (especially as they draw it) how often hath
the Line of Tubal, beene bastarded, degenerated, and quite expelled,
by invasions of Phænicians, oppressions of the Greekes, incursiones
of the Carthaginians, the Conquest and planting of Provinces, and
Colonies of the Romanes, the general deluge of the Gothes, Hunnes,
and Vandales: and lastly, [The long captivity of the Spaniards under
the Mores.] by the long and intolerable Tyranny of the Moores, whose
slavish yoake and bondage in 800. yeares, hee could scarcely shake
off; his owne Histories beare sufficient testimony and Record. Then
it is manifest, that this mixture of Nations, must of necessity
make a compounded Nature, such as having affinity with many, have no
perfection in any one.
Their Manners are conformable to their discent, and their conditionall
Vertues semblable to their last and longest Conquerors, of whom they
retayne the truest stampe.
The most penurious Peasants in the World be heere, whose Quotidian
moanes, might draw teares from stones. Their Villages stand as
wast like as the Sabunck, Garamont, or Arabian Pavilleons, wanting
Gardens, Hedges, Closses, Barnes, or Backe-sides: This sluggish
and idle husbandry, being a natural instinct of their neighbour or
paternal Moores.
As for industrious Artes, Inventions, and Vertues, they are as dull
thereof, as their late Predecessours: and truely I confesse for the
Spanish Nunne, she is more holy then the Italian; the former are onely
Reserved to the Friers, and Priests: The latter being more Noble,
have most affinity with Gentle-men. The Spaniard is of a spare dyet
and temperate, if at his owne cost he spend; but if given Gratis,
he hath the longest Tuskes that ever stroke at Table.
After a doubtfull and dangerous departure from Madrid (as Sir Walter
Aston his Majesties Ambassador can testifie with his Followers, as
some of his people have already here done the same,) being the drift
of my owne Country-men, I came to Toledo twelve Leagues distant from
thence: This Citty is situate on a ragged Rocke upon the River Tagus,
being an Arch-bishops seate, the Primat and Metropolitan Sea of all
Spaine: Yet a miserably impoverished and deformed place.
[Naked ambition conferred upon poore Toledo.] And although the
Spaniard, of all Townes in Spaine, braggeth most of Toledo, it
is neyther (doubtlesse I know) for beauty, bounds, nor Wealth,
if not for the Intrado belongeth to it, amounting yearely (as they
affirme) to 200000 Duckats; for there is no other Episcopal Seate,
in all Castilia, or Kingdome of Toledo. Giving backe to Toledo, I
crossed the crossing Siera de Morada, (which divideth the Kingdome of
Grenada, from the Mansha of the new Castilia) and arrived at Grenada,
the Capital of Andolusia.
Here had the Moores their last residence in Spaine, and was
magnanimously recovered, Anno 1499. yeares, by Ferdinando the Castilian
King, and his wife Isabella. It standeth at the foote of Siera de
Nevada (the Snowy Alpes,) who reserve continually Snow on their tops,
and partly inclosed betweene two Snow-melting Rivers. In this Citty is
the principall Seate, and Colledge of Justice, of all South Spaine:
As Valladoli is for the North of Spaine, the high Court of Madrid
having Prerogative over both.
It hath a spacious and strong Castle, which was builded by the Moores,
and indeede a Kingly mansion: Where I saw the Hals and Bed-Chambers
of the Moorish Kings, most exquisitly, over-siled, and indented with
Mosaicall worke; excelling farre any moderne industry whatsoever.
The Emperour Charles the fift, and King of Spaine; after his returne
from that misfortunate voyage of Algier, left a monument here, never
likely to have beene accomplished, that is, the foundation of an
admirable worke advanced two stories high: without it is quadrangled,
and within round; having two degrees of incircling promontores,
supported by Marble pillars, and Allabaster arches.
Being dismissed here, it was my fortune at Antecara to [Mr. Woodson a
London Merchant.] encounter with a Merchant, (M. Woodson a Londoner,)
newly come from Venice, and bound to Malaga. With whom desirously
accompanied, the day following being Sunday, with sore travayle wee
came within night to Malaga, and thereafter parting to our severall
Lodgings, the next morning I addressed my selfe to the shoare side;
where I had notice given me, of a French ship belonging to Tolon
in Provance, that was lying in the Mould, and shortly bound for
Alexandria: And finding that Transportation most convenient for my
designe (my safest course lying through Ægypt and the Red Sea, for
Prester Jehans Dominions and Court) I presently made bargaine with
the Ships-master, for my passage and Victuals.
And now attending my departure thence, uppon the fift day after my
comming hither Anno 1620. October 27. the English Fleete that went
agaynst the Pyrats of Algier, gave Anchor at mid-night in the Roade:
Whose suddaine comming, yeelded no small feare to the affrighted Towne,
mistaking them for Turkes; for the two Castle-bells Ringing backe-ward,
the thundring Drums resounding, and the Towne all the latter night in
Armes, bred such [Malaga affrighted with the English Fleet.] disturbant
despaire to their families, and distraction to themselves, that their
wives and children fled to the higher Castle without the Towne; and I
a stayd Consort with the Defendants till day light. But morning come,
and the English Colours discovered, Don Jaspar Ruiz de Peredas the
Governour, went aboord of the English Generall Sir Robert Maunsell;
where after congratulating complements, he being returned a shoare,
dismissed the Burgers and their Armes. In that afternoone, and the
day following beeing Satturday, there came hundreds a shoare of my
speciall friends, and olde familiars, Londoners, and Courtiers,
with whom desirously met, we were joviall together, till Sunday
morning: where then I went aboord of the Lyon, his Majesties ship,
and saluted the Generall, who kindly intertained mee to the next day,
that the Fleete was divided in three Squaders, and he under Sayle,
and then unhappily came I a shoare in a Fisher boate, to my deare
bought destruction, beeing sore agaynst the Generals will, but that
I should have gone with him to Algier: Save onely that my Linnen,
Letters, and Sacket was lying in my hostery, and so could not go:
but what shal I say?
Quod fortuna dedit, nemo tollere potest.
And so now followeth the sorrowfull Relations of my Tragicall
sufferings, which as briefly as I may, I shall succinctly avouch,
although the larger, the better to be understood.
Sad soule mixe truth, with grave and prompe discourse
Let passiones be, this Tragicke stile must rest
On Faith and Patience, Columnes of secourse,
Which underprop'd my sufferings here exprest:
Lord weigh my words, with wisdome, give me grace
In all this Worke, to give thy glory place.
I was no sooner entred the Towne, and drawing up a private way to
my lodging, to shunne company and acquaintance, for that night was
I to have imbarked for Alexandria, but I was suddenly surprised in
that narrow depopulated street, with nine Alguozilos, Sergeants, who
inclosing mee on both sides layd violent hands on mee, wrapping me up
in a blacke frizado cloake, and gripping my throat to stop my crying,
they carryed me on their armes to the governours house, and inclosed
me in a low Parlour.
[A sad request to a mercilesse Governour.] To which when the Governour
came, for I was acquainted with him before I sadly spoke, saying, My
most noble Governour, and worthy Lord, I humbly beseech your goodnes
to shew me, for what offence or cause, I am thus violently brought
before you, knowing that in me, and from my carriage, there is no
injury committed. Whereat, without answer, and shaking his head,
he caused inclose mee in a little Cabinet within the Parlour, till
he went for Masse, commanding them with all possible dilligence to
fetch hither, the Captaine of the Towne Don Francesco, di Cordova,
the Alcade major, and the States Scrivan, enjoyning them to conceale
my apprehending till further tryal under the paine of death.
At last he from the Masse, and they come hither, the Sergeants were
dismissed, the doores made fast, and I was brought forth before these
foure Cavalliers, all placed in chayres, and the Scrivan-table set,
with pen and paper to write my confession. Where after long silence,
the Governour asked mee of my Nation, and how long, and how often I
had beene out of my Country: and whether I was bound? and how long
I had beene in Spaine.
To whom I punctually returned my dividuat answers:
Whereupon being inclosed in my former Cabinet, within a while Don
Francesco entred my roome, demanding mee if I had beene in Civilia,
or was come from it; and clapping my cheeks with a Judas-smile made
this entreaty. My deare brother, and gallant Companion, confesse freely
that you have beene in Civilia, for your countenance bewrayeth, there
are some hidden purposes in the closet of your breast; and Para fuyr
mas malo, you had best in time relate to mee the trueth.
Whereat I saying no, as truth acquired, he went back, resolving them
of my stiffe denyall, and they therewith incensed, I was invited to
their former presence, and maine accusations ensuing. [A tyrannical
constrayned Oath.] First the Governour made me sweare and hold up
my hand, that I should tell the particular trueth of every thing hee
was to demand of mee; which indeed I did according to my knowledge.
Then he inquired if the English Generall, was a Duke, or great
Signior, and what could be the reason, that he refused to come
a shoare there; for that was the first impression of their false
conceived jealousie. Next; he asked mee, if I knew his name, and the
other Captaines and what their names were? and what their intention
was? or if I had knowne of their comming abroad, or preparation for
it, before my departure from England.
The Scrivan writing downe meanewhile every word he spoke and what
I answered: well; to all the former particulars giving condigne
satisfaction, and to the last, denying that I knew of the forth comming
of the fleet, they all foure gave a shout in the contrary. Whereupon
the Governour swearing, cursed and said, thou leyest like a Villane,
thou art a spy and a traytor, and camest directly from England of
purpose to Spaine; and hath beene lying nine moneths in Sivilia,
getting sure intelligence, when the Spanish Navy was looked for
from the Indies; and that thou expressely heere, came to meete with
the English Armado, (knowing of their dyet) to give them credible
knowledge thereof: And that by thy information, they might the more
readily compasse their endes, and thus thy treachery and subtilty,
hath beene imployed.
Whereat I being astonished, and seriously answering for the intention
of the English Fleete, and my owne [The English acquaintaynce, my
greatest hinderance.] innocency concerning them: He threatning sayd,
I was seene familiar a Boord and a shoare, with the whole Captaines,
and knowne to be of their speciall acquaintance: besides three hundred
other Gentle-men, and Mariners with whom, and they with thee, were
so inward, that it far exceeded the kindnes of accidentall meeting.
All this we saw, and hourely remarked (sayd hee) and thou art newly
come from the Generall, when thou wast taken, where consulting
with their Counsell of Warre this morning, (concerning what they
assigned thee to accomplish) thou hast delivered thy opinion, and the
expectation of Sivilia, touching the returne of his Majesties Armado
di Plato; and therefore thou art a Spiono, a Traytor, and a scelerate
Velacco: for wee are not ignorant (sayd he) of the burning of St. Thome
in the West Indies; for there and then, wee had a certaine evidence of
the English infidelity, and treacherous exploytes in time of Peace:
Wherefore these Lutheranes and Sonnes of the Divell, ought not from
us good Catholickes to receive no credit.
Whereupon I besought him, to send for some sufficient English Factors,
there sojourning, who would testifie the contrary in my behalfe,
their Countrey, and their Fleete, but that he would not, for my being
discovered. At last seeing his damnable opinion, and to cleare my
selfe of such false imputations: I requested him to send a Sergeant
to my Posado or Lodging for my Clogbag, where hee should see a more
evident Testimony of my carriage and honest purpose, and thereupon
the approbation of my Prince.
This demaund liked him well, thinking thereby to finde out all the
secrets and practises of my Negotiation with the English Fleete:
Whereupon forthwith, and with close Circumspection he had it
brought unto him, my hostage [His Majesties Letters and Seales
misregarded.] House not knowing where I was. The Clogbag I opened my
selfe, and showing him his Majesties Letters in parchment, and under
his Hand and Seale, dated at Theobals 1619. July 17. and compiled and
wrot by M. Thomas Red, then Secretary for the Latine Tongue, done in
my behalfe, and my intended Resolution for Æthiopia, the Kings safe
Conduct he mis-regarded, giving it neyther Respect nor trust.
After which, I show'd him divers Patents, Seales, and the great
Seale of Jerusalem, Pasports, and my Booke of Armes, called Liber
amicorum, wherein, I had the hand-writs, and Armes of sundry Kings,
Dukes, Princes, Vice-Royes, Marquesses, Earles, Lords, and Governors,
&c. done in Prose and Verse, in Greeke, Latine, or their maternall
tongues, being as propitious pledges of their favour, in commendation
of me, and of my Travailes.
But all these would not satisfie him, nay, rather confirming a
greater jealousie of his former suspition: whereupon misconstruing
all, they seased absolutely upon my Clog-bag, viewing, and detayning
all I had at their pleasure; including me the third time. This done,
and within night, beeing Represented againe, the Governour commaunded
me to subscribe my Confession, which I voluntarily obeyed; though
they still urged me further and further to confesse. Meanewhile
these foure Complices consulting about my Imprisonment, the Alcalde
or chiefe Justice would have had me along with him to the Town Jayle,
but the Corrigidor refused saying, Para non star visto con sus Pesanos:
That hee may not bee seene by his Country-men, it behoveth me to have
a care of his concealement: and I warrant you (sayd he) I shal lodge
him well enough.
[An injust robbery by unjust Judges.] Upon the knowledge of this,
that I was secretly to be incarcerate in the Governours Palace,
entred the M. Sergeant, and begged my mony, and Lycence to search
it: and liberty granted hee found in my pockets eleaven Philippoes
or Ducatons; and then uncloathing me before their eyes, even to my
shirt, and searching my breeches, he found in my Doublet necke, fast
shut betweene two Canvesses, 137. double peeces of gold. Whereat the
Corrigidor arose and counting my gold, being 548. duccats, he sayd to
the Sergeant, cloath him againe, and inclose him there in the Cabinet
till after Supper. Meanewhile the Sergeant got the 11. duccatons of
Silver; and my gold, which was to take me for Æthiopia, the Governour
seased upon; giving afterwards 200. Crownes of it to supply the new
layd Foundation of a Capuschine Monastery there, reserving the rest
(being 348. duccats) for his owne avaricious ends.
This done, and mid-night come, the Sergeant and two Turkish slaves
releasing mee from the inferiour Roome, brought mee through certayne
ascending passages, to a chamber, in a sequestrate side of the Palace,
toward the Garden, and right above his Summer Kitchen: Where there,
and then, the Sergeants, and the two slaves, thrust [And here is the
embleme of my misery.] on every ancle an heavy bolt, my legs being
put to the full stride, by a mayne gad of iron far above a yard long,
upon the endes of which the two bolts depended, that were fastned
about my legs. Insomuch, that I could never sit up, nor walke, nor
stand, nor turne me; but lay continually on my backe, the irons being
thrice heavier then my body.
[A miserable & helplesse Lamentation.] Whereupon beholding my
inevitable misery, and such monster-made irons my sighing soule
deplored thus: Alas Sergeant, and you two Slaves, remarke in me the
just Judgements of God; and loe how the Heavens have reducted me to
this meritorious reward, and truely deserved; for I have dearely and
truly bought it; that I whose legges and feete the whole Universe
could scarcely contayne, now these bolts and irons keepe them
fast, in a body length, of a stone-paved Floore. O foolish pride,
O suppressing ambition! and vaporous curiosity! woe worth the fury of
your aspiring vanities; you have taken mee over the face of the earth,
and now left me in a Dungeon hole: My soule, O my soule is leager unto
this Proverbe, Man proposeth, and God disposeth: O happy had I beene,
thrice happy in a Shepheards life.
Thus, and more lamenting the destiny of nature, they left mee with
solacious words, and straight returned againe with Victuals; being a
pound of boyl'd Mutton, a wheat bread, and a small Pint of Wine: which
was the first, the best, and the last of this kinde, that ever I got in
that woefull Mansion. The Sergeant leaving me (never seeing him more,
till a more unwelcomed sight) hee directed the Slaves, that after I had
contented my discontented appetite, they should locke the doore, and
carry the keyes to Areta, a Spaniard and keeper of the silver plate.
A little while after he was gone, the other Drudge left me also,
who was newly turned Christian: where being alone with Hazier the
naturall Turke, who was to attend me, feede me, and keepe me, lying
nightly a constrayned Centinell, without the doore of my imprisonment;
hee demanded me for what cause I was committed, and what malefact
I was guilty of? to whom I answered, onely for a naked suspition,
mistaking the honorable intention of the English Armado, I am as a
spy apprehended, and falsely accused.
[The mourning of Hazier a Turkish slave.] Whereupon the silly Slave
falling downe on his knees, held up his hands, crying, Hermano,
Hermano, es muy grand menester, par a tomar pacenza, &c. Brother,
Brother, it is much needfull for you to take all in patience,
for it is impossible now you can escape, some fearefull tryall,
and thereupon a horrible punishment even unto death; and alasse to
relieve you, if I durst, (as I dare not under death) to discover you
to your Countrey-men, I would doe it upon my knees, and leaving me
with a weeping good night, he made fast the doore, and transported
the keyes, as he was directed.
The day following the Governour entered my Prison alone, intreating me
to confesse that I was a spy, and he would be my friend, and procure
my pardon, neither should I lacke (interim) any needfull thing:
But I still attesting my innocency, hee wrathfully swore I should
see his face no more, till grievous torments should make me doe it;
and leaving mee in a rage, he observed too well his condition.
But withall in my audience, he commanded Areta, that none should
come neare mee except the slave, nor no food should be given mee
but three ounces of moosted browne bread, every second day, and a
Fuleto or English Pint of water, neither any bed, pillow, or coverlet
to be allowed mee: And close up sayd he, this window in his roome,
with lyme and stone, stop the holes of the doore with double Matts,
hanging another locking to it; and to withdraw all visible and sensible
comfort from him, let no tongue, nor feet be heard neare him, till
I have my designes accomplished: And thou Hazier I charge thee, at
thy incommings to have no conference with him, nor at thy out-goings
abroad to discover him to the English Factors, as thou wilt answer
upon thy life, and the highest torments can be devised.
These directions delivered, and alas too accessary to me in the
performance: my roome was made a darke-drawne Dungeon, my belly the
anatomy of mercilesse hunger, my comfortlesse hearing, the receptacle
of sounding Bells, my eye wanting light, a loathsome languishing in
despaire, and my ground lying body, the woefull mirrour of misfortunes:
every houre wishing anothers comming, every day the night, and every
night the morning.
[A speedy expedition for a mercilesse mischeife.] And now being
every second or third day attended with the twinckling of an eye,
and my sustenance agreeable to my attendance, my body grew exceeding
debile and infirme; insomuch that the Governour (after his answers
receaved from Madrile) made haste to put in execution, his bloody
and mercilesse purpose before Christmas Holy-dayes: least ere the
expiring of the twelfth day, I should be utterly famished, and unable
to undergoe my tryall, without present perishing, yet unknowne to
me, save onely in this knowledge, that I was confident to dye a
fearefull and unacquainted death: for it is a current custome with
the Spaniard, that if a stranger be apprehended upon any suspicion,
he is never brought to open tryall, and common Jayle, but clapd up
in a Dungeon, and there tortured, impoysoned, or starved to death:
Such meritorious deeds, accompany these onely titular Christians:
for the Spaniard accounteth it more to be called a Christian, than
either to beleeve what hee professeth, or to conforme him selfe to the
life of Christianity: yea, I sparingly avouch it, hee is the worst
and baddest creature of the Christian name; having no more Religion
(and lesse respective to devotion) than an externall presumptuous
show; which perfiteth this ancient Proverbe, The Spaniard; est bonus
Catholicus, sed malus Christianus.
In end, by Gods permission, the scourge of my fiery tryall approaching;
upon the forty seventh day after my first imprisonment, and five dayes
before Christmas; about two a clocke in the morning, I heard the noyse
of a Coach in the fore-street, marvelling much what it might meane.
[My transportation from prison to the fields to be racked.] Within
a pretty while I heard the locks of my Prison-doore in opening;
whereupon bequeathing my soule to God, I humbly implored his gracious
mercie and pardon for my sinnes: for neither in the former night nor
this, could I get any sleepe, such was the force of gnawing hunger,
and the portending heavinesse of my presaging soule.
Meanewhile the former nine Sergeants, accompanied with the Scrivan,
entered the roome without word speaking, and carrying mee thence, with
irons and all, on their armes through the house, to the street, they
layd mee on my backe in the Coach: where two of them sat up beside mee,
(the rest using great silence) went softly along by the Coach side.
Then Baptista the Coach-man, an Indian Negro droving out at the
Sea-gate, the way of the shoare-side, I was brought Westward almost a
league from the Towne, to a Vine-presse house, standing alone amongst
Vineyards, where they inclosed mee in a roome till day light, for
hither was the Racke brought the night before, and privately placed
in the ende of a Trance.
And all this secresie was used, that neyther English, French, or
Flemings, should see or get any knowledge of my Tryall, my grievous
Tortures, and dreadfull dispatch, because of their treacherous and
cruel proceedings.
At the breach of day the Governour, Don Francesco, and the Alcalde,
came foorth in another Coach: where when arrived, and I invited to
their presence, I pleaded [A stranger ought not to be accused with
strangers without an Interpreter.] for a Trench man, being against
their Law, to accuse or condemne a Stranger, without a sufficient
Interpreter. The which they absolutely refused, neyther would they
suffer or grant mee an Appellation to Madrid.
And now after long and new Examinations, from morning to darke night,
they finding my first and second Confession so runne in one, that the
Governour swore, I had learned the Arte of Memory: Saying further,
is it possible hee can in such distresse, and so long a time, observe
so strictly in every manner the poynts of his first Confession,
and I so often shifting him too and fro.
Well, the Governours interrogation and my Confession being mutually
subscribed: He and Don Francesco besought me earnestly to acknowledge
and confesse my guiltinesse in time: if not, he would deliver me in
the Alcaldes hands there present: Saying moreover, thou art as yet
in my power, and I may spare or pardon thee; providing thou wilt
confesse thy selfe a Spie, and a Traytour against our Nation.
But finding mee stand fast to the marke of my spotlesse innocency,
he, invective, and malicious hee, after many tremenduous threatnings,
commanded the Scrivan to draw up a Warrant for the chiefe Justice:
And done, he set his hand to it, and taking me by the hand, delivered
me and the Warrant in the Alcalde Majors hands, to cause mee bee
Tortured, broken, and cruelly Tormented.
Whence being carried along on the Sergeants armes, to the end of
a Trance or stone Gallery, where the Pottaro or Racke was placed:
The Encarnador or Tormentor, begunne to disburden me of my irons,
which beeing very hard inbolted he could not Ram-verse the Wedges for
a long time: Whereat the Chiefe Justice being offended, the malicious
Villaine with the Hammer which he had in his hand, stroake away above
an inch of my left heele with [A mercilesse hurt, before they begun
to Racke mee.] the Bolt. Whereupon I grievously groaning, beeing
exceeding faint, and without my three ounces of bread, and a little
Water for three dayes together: The Alcalde sayd, O Traytor all this
is nothing, but the earnest of a greater bargaine you have in hand.
Now the irons being dissolved, and my Torments approaching, I fell
prostrate on my knees, crying to the Heavens:
O Great and Gracious GOD, it is truely knowne to thy all-seeing
Eye, that I am innocent of these false and fearefull accusations,
and since therefore it is thy Good will and pleasure, that I must
suffer now by the scelerate hands of mercilesse men: Lord furnish mee,
with Courage, Strength, and Patience least by an impatient Minde, and
feebling Spirit, I become my owne Murtherer, in Confessing my selfe
guilty of Death, to shunne present punishment. And according to the
Multitude of thy Mercies, O Lord, bee mercifull to my sinfull soule,
and that for Jesus thy Sonne and my Redeemer his sake.
After this, the Alcalde, and Scrivan, being both chaire-set, the one
to examine, the other to write downe my Confession and Tortures: I
was by the Executioner stripped to the skin, brought to the Racke, and
then mounted by him on the top of it: Where eftsoones I was hung by the
bare shoulders, with two small Cords, which went under both mine armes,
running on two Rings of iron that were fixed in the Wall above my head.
Thus being hoysed, to the appoynted height, the Tormentor discended
below, and drawing downe my Legs, through the two sides of the
three-planked Racke, hee tyed a Cord about each of my ancles: And
then ascending upon the Racke, hee drew the Cords upward, and bending
[The hammes and lids of my knees were both broken.] forward with
maine force, my two knees, against the two plankes; the sinewes of
my hammes burst a sunder, and the lids of my knees beeing crushed,
and the Cords made fast, I hung so demayned, for a large houre.
At last the Encarnador, informing the Governor, that I had the marke
of Jerusalem on my right arme, joyned with the name and Crowne of
King James, and done upon the Holy Grave. The Corrigidor came out
of his adjoyning stance, and gave direction, to teare a sunder, the
name, and Crowne (as hee sayd) of that Hereticke King, and arch-enemy
to the Holy Catholicke Church: Then the Tormentor, laying the right
arme above the left, and the Crowne upmost, did cast a Cord over both
armes, seaven distant times: And then lying downe upon his backe, and
setting both his feete on my hollow-pinched belly, he charged; and
drew violently with his hands, making my Wombe support the force of
his feete, till the seaven severall Cords combind in one place of my
arme, (and cutting the Crowne, sinewes, and flesh to the bare bones)
did pull in my fingers close to the palme of my hands: the left hand
of which is Lame so still, and will be for ever.
Now mine eyes begun to startle, my mouth to foame and froath, and
my teeth to chatter like to the doubling of [O cruell and inhumane
murder.] Drummers stickes. O strange inhumanity of Men-monster
Manglers! surpassing the limits of their nationall Law; three score
Tortures beeing the tryall of Treason, which I had, and was to indure:
yet thus to inflict a seaven-fold surplussage of more intolerable
cruelties: And notwithstanding of my shivering lippes, in this fiery
passion, my vehement groaning, and blood-springing fonts, from armes,
broake sinewes, hammes, and knees; yea, and my depending weight on
flesh-cutting Cords; yet they stroke mee on the face with Cudgels,
to abate and cease the thundring noyse of my wrestling voyce.
At last being loosed from these Pinnacles of paine, I was hand-fast
set on the floore, with this their incessant imploration: Confesse,
confesse, confesse in time, for thine inevitable torments ensue:
where finding nothing from me, but still innocent, O I am innocent,
O Jesus! the Lambe of God have mercy upon mee, and strengthen mee
with patience, to undergoe this barbarous murder.
[Here begun my mayne tortures.] Then by command of the Justice, was
my trembling body layd above, and along upon the face of the Racke,
with my head downe-ward, inclosed within a circled hole, my belly
upmost, and my heeles upward toward the top of the Racke: my legs
and armes being drawne a sunder, were fastned with pinnes and Cords,
to both sides of the outward plankes; for now was I to receive my
maine torments.
Now what a Pottaro or Racke is (for it stood by the wall declining
downe-ward) it is made of three plankes of Timber, the upmost end
whereof is larger then a ful [Loe here is the manner how I was
mainly Racked.] stride; the lower end being narrow, and the three
planks joyning together, are made conformable to a Mans shoulders:
in the downe-most end of the middle planke there was a hole, wherein
my head was layd: in length it is longer than a man, being interlaced
with small cords from planke to planke, which divided my supported
thighes from the middle plank: Through the sides of which exteriour
planks there were three distant holes in every one of them; the use
wherefore you shall presently heare.
[The manner how my body was first fastned to the Racke before my
tortures were inflicted.] Now the Alcalde giving commission, the
executioner layd first a cord over the calfe of my leg, then another
on the middle of my thigh, and the third cord over the great of my
arme; which was severally done, on both sides of my body receaving
the ends of the cords, from these sixe severall places through the
holes made in the outward planks, which were fastned to pinnes, and
the pinnes made fast with a device: for he was to charge on the out
side of the planks, with as many pinnes, as there were holes and cords;
the cords being first laid meet to my skin: And on every one of these
sixe parts of my body, I was to receave seven severall tortures:
each torture consisting of three winding throwes, of every pinne;
which amounted to twenty one throwes, in every one of these sixe parts.
Then the Tormentor having charged the first passage about my body
(making fast by a device each torture as they were multiplied) he went
to an earthen Jarre standing full of water, a little beneath my head:
from whence carrying a pot full of water; in the bottome whereof, there
was an incised hole, which being stopd by his thumb, till it came to
my mouth, hee did powre it in my bellie; the measure being a Spanish
Sombre, which is an English Potle: The first and second services I
gladly receaved, such was the scorching drouth of my tormenting payne,
and likewise I had drunke none for three dayes before.
But afterward, at the third charge, perceiving these measures of water
to be inflicted upon me as tortures, O strangling tortures! I closed
my lips, gaine-standing that eager crudelity.
[A cruelty beyond cruelties.] Whereat the Alcalde inraging, set my
teeth asunder with a payre of iron cadges, detayning them there,
at every severall turne, both mainely and manually; whereupon my
hunger-clungd bellie waxing great, grew Drum-like imbolstered: for
it being a suffocating payne, in regard of my head hanging downeward,
and the water reingorging it selfe in my throat with a strugling force;
it strangled and swallowed up my breath from youling and groaning.
And now to prevent my renewing griefe (for presently my heart fayleth
and forsaketh me) I will onely briefly avouch, that betweene each one
of these seven circular charges, I was aye reexamined, each examination
continuing halfe an houre; each halfe houre a hell of infernall paine,
and betweene each torment, a long distance of life quelling time.