The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, - Richard Hakluyt
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Of the honour and reuerence done vnto the great Can.
I will report one thing more, which I saw, concerning the great Can. It is
an vsuall custome in those parts, that when the forsayd Can traueileth
thorow any countrey, his subiects kindle fires before their doores, casting
spices thereinto to make a perfume, that their lord passing by may smell
the sweet and delectable odours thereof, and much people come forth to meet
him. And vpon a certaine time when he was cumming towardes Cambaleth, the
fame of his approch being published, a bishop of ours with certaine of our
minorite friers and my selfe went two dayes iourney to meet him: and being
come nigh vnto him, we put a crosse vpon wood, I my selfe hauing a censer
in my hand, and began to sing with a loud voice: Veni creator spiritus. And
as we were singing on this wise, he caused vs to be called, commanding vs
to come vnto him: notwithstanding (as it is aboue mentioned) that no man
dare approach within a stones cast of his chariot, vnlesse he be called,
but such onely as keepe his chariot. And when we came neere vnto him, he
vailed his hat or bonet being of an inestimable price, doing reuerance vnto
the crosse. And immediatly I put incense into the censer, and our bishop
taking the censer perfumed him, and gaue him his benediction. Moreouer,
they that come before the sayd Can do alwayes bring some oblation to
present vnto him, obseruing the antient law: Thou shall not appeare in my
presence with an empty hand. And for that cause we carried apples with vs,
and offered them in a platter with reuerence vnto him: and taking out two
of them he did eat some part of one. And then he signified vnto vs, that we
should go apart, least the horses comming on might in ought offend vs. With
that we departed from him, and turned aside, going vnto certaine of his
barons, which had bene conuerted to the faith by certeine friers of our
order, being at the same time in his army: and we offered vnto them of the
foresayd apples, who receiued them at our hands with great ioy, seeming
vnto vs to be as glad, as if we had giuen them some great gift.
All the premisses abouewritten friar William de Solanga hath put downe in
writing euen as the foresayd frier Odoricus vttered them by word of mouth,
in the yeere of our Lord 1330. in the moneth of May, and in the place of S.
Anthony of Padua. Neither did he regard to write them in difficult Latine
or in an eloquent stile, but euen as Odoricus himselfe rehearsed them, to
the end that men might the more easily vnderstand the things reported. I
frier Odoricus of Friuli, of a certaine territory called Portus Vahonis,
and of the order of the minorites, do testifie and beare wimesse vnto the
reuerend father Guidotus minister of the prouince of S. Anthony, in the
marquesate of Treuiso (being by him required vpon mine obedience so to doe)
that all the premisses aboue written, either I saw with mine owne eyes, or
heard the same reported by credible and substantiall persons. The common
report also of the countreyes where I was, testifieth those things, which I
saw, to be true. Many other things I haue omitted, because I beheld them
not with mine owne eyes. Howbeit from day to day I purpose with my selfe to
trauell countreyes or lands, in which action I dispose myselfe to die or to
liue, as it shall please my God.
Of the death of frier Odoricus.
In the yeere therefore of our Lord 1331 the foresayd frier Odoricus
preparing himselfe for the performance of his intended iourney, that his
trauel and labour might be to greater purpose, he determined to present
himselfe vnto Pope Iohn the two and twentieth, whose benediction and
obedience being receiued, he with a certaine number of friers willing to
beare him company, might conuey himselfe vnto all the countreyes of
infidels. And as he was trauelling towards the pope, and not farre distant
from the city of Pisa, there meets him by the waye a certaine olde man, in
the habit and attire of a pilgrime, saluting him by name, and saying: All
haile frier Odoricus. And when the frier demaunded how he had knowledge of
him: he answered: Whiles, you were in India I knew you full well, yea, and
I knew your holy purpose also: but see that you returne immediatly vnto the
couer from whence you came, for tenne dayes hence you shall depart out of
this present world. Wherefore being astonished and amazed at these wordes
(especially the olde man vanishing out of his sight, presently after he had
spoken them) he determined to returne. And so he returned in perfect
health, feeling no crazednesse nor infirmity of body. And being in his
couen at Vdene in the prouince of Padua, the tenth day after the foresayd
vision, hauing receiued the Communion, and preparing himselfe vnto God,
yea, being strong and sound of body, hee happily rested in the Lord; whose
sacred departure was signified vnto the Pope aforesaid, vnder the hand of
the publique notary in these words following.
In the yeere of our Lord 1331, the 14. day of Ianuarie, Beatus Odoricus a
Frier minorite deceased in Christ, at whose prayers God shewed many and
sundry miracles, which I Guetelus publique notarie of Vtina, sonne of M.
Damianus de Porto Gruaro, at the commandement and direction of the
honorable Conradus of the Borough of Gastaldion, and one of the Councell of
Vtina, haue written as faithfully as I could, and haue deliuered a copie
thereof vnto the Friers minorites: howbeit not of all, because they are
innumerable, and too difficult for me to write.
* * * * *
The voyage of the Lord Iohn of Holland, Earle of Huntington, brother by the
mothers side to King Richard the second, to Ierusalem and Saint Katherins
mount.
[Sidenote: 1394. Froyssart.] The Lord Iohn of Holland, Earle of Huntington,
was as then on his way to Ierusalem, and to Saint Katherins mount, and
purposed to returne by the Realme of Hungarie. For as he passed through
France (where he had great cheere of the King, and of his brother and
vncles) hee heard how the king of Hungary and the great Turke should haue
battell together: therefore he thought surely to be at that iourney.
* * * * *
The voiage of Thomas lord Moubray duke of Norfolke to Ierusalem, in the
yeere of our Lord 1399. written by Holinshed, pag. 1233.
Thomas lord Moubray, second sonne of Elizabeth Segraue and Iohn lord
Moubray her husband, was advanced to the dukedome of Norfolke in the 21.
yeere of the reigne of Richard the 2. Shortly after which, hee was appealed
by Henry earle of Bullingbroke of treason; and caried to the castle of
Windsore, where he was strongly and safely garded, hauing a time of combate
granted to determine the cause betweene the two dukes, the 16. day of
September, in the 22. of the sayd king, being the yeere of our redemption
1398. But in the end the matter was so ordered, that this duke of Norfolke
was banished for euer: whereupon taking his iourney to Ierusalem, he died
at Venice in his returne from the said citie of Ierusalem, in the first
yeere of King Henry the 4. about the yeere of our redemption, 1399.
* * * * *
The Voiage of the bishop of Winchester to Ierusalem, in the sixt yeere of
the reigne of Henry the fift, which was the yeere of our Lord, 1417.
Thomas Walsingham.
Vltimo die mensis Octobris, episcopus Wintoniensis accessit ad concilium
Constanciense, peregrinaturus Hierosolymam post electionem summi pontificis
celebratam, vbi tantum valuit eius facunda persuasio, vt et excitaret
dominos Cardinales ad concordiam, et ad electionem summi pontificis se
ocyus praepararent.
The same in English.
The last day of October the bishop of Winchester came to the Councell of
Constance, which after the chusing of the Pope determined to take his
iourney to Ierusalem: where his eloquent perswasion so much preuailed, that
he both perswaded my lords the Cardinals to vnity and concord, and also
moued them to proceed more speedily to the election of the Pope.
* * * * *
A preparation of a voyage of King Henrie the fourth to the Holy land
against the infidels in the yere 1413, being the last yere of his reigne:
wherein he was preuented by death: written by Walsingham, Fabian,
Polydore Virgile, and Holenshed.
[Sidenote: Order taken for building of ships and gallies.] In this
fourteenth and last yere of king Henries reigne a councell was holden in
the White friers in London, at the which among other things, order was
taken for ships and gallies to be builded and made ready, and all other
things necessary to be prouided for a voyage, which he meant to make into
the Holy land, there to recouer the city of Ierusalem from the infidels:
for it grieued him to consider the great malice of Christian princes, that
were bent vpon a mischieuous purpose to destroy one another, to the perill
of their owne soules, rather than to make warre against the enemies of the
Christian faith, as in conscience, it seemed to him, they were bound. We
finde, sayeth Fabian in his Chronicle, that he was taken with his last
sickeness, while he was making his prayers at Saint Edwards shrine, there
as it were, to take his leaue, and so to proceede foorth on his iourney. He
was so suddenly and grieuously taken, that such as were about him feared
least he would haue died presently: wherefore to relieue him, if it were
possible, they bare him into a chamber that was next at hand, belonging to
the Abbot of Westminster, where they layd him on a pallet before the fire,
and vsed all remedies to reuiue him. At length he recouered his speech, and
perceiuing himselfe in a strange place which he knew not, he willed to
knowe if the chamber had any particular name, whereunto answere was made,
that it was called Ierusalem. Then sayde the king, Laudes be giuen to the
father of heauen: for now I knowe that I shall die here in this chamber,
according to the prophesie of mee declared, that I should depart this life
in Ierusalem.
* * * * *
Of this intended voyage Polydore Virgile writeth in manner following.
Post haec Henricus Rex memor nihil homini debere esse antiquius, quam ad
officium iustitiae, quae ad hominum vtilitatem pertinet, omne suum studium
conferre, protinus omisso ciuili bello, quo pudebat videre Christianos omni
tempore turpiter occupari, de republica Anglica bene gubernanda, de bello
in hostes communes sumendo, de Hierosolymis tandem aliquando recipiendis
plura destinabat, classemque iam parabat, cum ei talia agenti atque
meditanti casus mortem attulit: subito enim morbo tentatus, nulla medicina
subleuari potuit. Mortuus est apud Westmonasterium, annum agens
quadragesimum sextum, qui fuit annus salutis humanae, 1413.
The same in English.
Afterward, King Henry calling to minde, that nothing ought to be more
highly esteemed by any man, then to doe the vtmost of his indeuour for the
performance of iustice, which tendeth to the good and benefite of mankinde;
altogether abondoning ciuill warre (wherewith he was ashamed to see, how
Christians at all times were dishonourably busied) entered into a more
deepe consideration of well gouerning his Realme of England, of waging
warre against the common enemie, and of recouering, in processe of time the
citie of Ierusalem, yea, and was prouiding a nauie for the same purpose,
whenas in the very midst of this his heroicall action and enterprise, he
was surprised with death: for falling into a sudden disease, he could not
be cured by any kinde of physicke. He deceased at Westminster in the 46
yeare of his age, which was in the yeere of our Lord, 1413.
* * * * *
The voyage of M. Iohn Locke to Ierusalem.
In my voyage to Ierusalem, I imbarked my selfe the 26 of March 1553 in the
good shippe called the Mathew Gonson, which was bound for Liuorno, or
Legorne and Candia. It fell out that we touched in the beginning of Aprill
next ensuing at Cades in Andalozia, where the Spaniardes, according to
their accustomed maner with all shippes of extraordinarie goodnes and
burden, picked a quarell against the company, meaning to haue forfeited, or
at least to haue arrested the sayd shippe. And they grew so malicious in
their wrongfull purpose that I being vtterly out of hope of any speedie
release, to the ende that my intention should not be ouerthrowen, was
inforced to take this course following. Notwithstanding this hard
beginning, it fell out so luckily, that I found in the roade a great shippe
called the Caualla of Venice, wherein after agreement made with the patron,
I shipped my selfe the 24. of May in the said yere 1553. and the 25 by
reason of the winde blowing hard and contrary, we were not able to enter
the straits of Gibraltar, but were put to the coast of Barbarie, where we
ankered in the maine sea 2. leagues from shore, and continued so vntill two
houres before sunne set, and then we weighed againe, and turned our course
towards the Straits, where we entered the 26 day aforesayd, the winde being
calme, but the current of the straites very fauourable. The same day the
winde beganne to rise somewhat, and blew a furthering gale, and so
continued at Northwest vntill we arriued at Legorne the third of Iune. And
from thence riding ouer land vnto Venice, I prepared for my voyage to
Ierusalem in the Pilgrimes shippe.
[Sidenote: The ship Fila Cauena departeth for Ierusalem. Rouigno a port in
Istria.] I John Locke, accompanied with Maister Anthony Rastwold, and
diuers other, Hollanders, Zelanders, Almaines and French pilgrimes entered
the good shippe called Fila Cauena of Venice, the 16 of July 1553. and the
17 in the morning we weighed our anker and sailed towardes the coast of
Istria, to the port of Rouigno, and the said day there came aboard of our
ship the Perceuena of the shippe named Tamisari, for to receiue the rest of
all the pilgrimes money, which was in all after the rate of 55. Crownes for
euery man for that voyage, after the rate of fiue shillings starling to the
crowne: This done, he returned to Venice.
[Sidenote: Sancta Eufemia.] The 19 day we tooke fresh victuals aboard, and
with the bote that brought the fresh provision we went on land to the
Towne, and went to see the Church of Sancta Eufemia, where we sawe the
bodie of the sayd Saint.
[Sidenote: Monte de Ancona.] The 20 day wee departed from Rouignio, and
about noone we had sight of Monte de Ancona, and the hilles of Dalmatia, or
else of Sclauonia both at one time, and by report they are 100. miles
distant from ech other, and more.
[Sidenote: Il Pomo.] The 21 we sayled still in sight of Dalmatia, and a
little before noone, we had a sight of a rocke in the midst of the sea,
called in the Italian il Pomo, it appeareth a farre off to be in shape like
a sugarloafe. [Sidenote: Sant Andrea.] Also we sawe another rocke about two
miles compasse called Sant Andrea; on this rocke is only one Monasterie of
Friers: [Sidenote: Lissa an Iland.] we sayled betweene them both, and left
S. Andrea on the left hand of vs, and we had also kenning of another Iland
called Lissa, all on the left hande, these three Ilands lie East and West
in the sea, and at the sunne setting we had passed them. [Sidenote: Lezina
Iland.] Il pomo is distant from Sant Andrea 18 miles, and S. Andrea from
Lissa ten miles, and Lissa from another Iland called Lezina, which standeth
betweene the maine of Dalmatia and Lissa, tenne miles. This Iland is
inhabited and hath great plentie of wine and frutes and hereagainst we were
becalmed.
[Sidenote: Catza. Pelagosa.] The 22. we had sight of another small Iland
called Catza, which is desolate and on the left hand, and on the right
hand, a very dangerous Iland called Pelagosa, this is also desolate, and
lyeth in the midst of the sea betweene both the maines: it is very
dangerous and low land, and it hath a long ledge of rockes lying out sixe
miles into the sea, so that many ships by night are cast away vpon them.
There is betweene Catza and Pelagosa 30 miles, and these two Ilands are
distant from Venice 400. miles. [Sidenote: Augusta.] There is also about
twelue miles eastward, a great Iland called Augusta, about 14 miles in
length, somewhat hillie, and well inhabited, and fruitfull of vines, corne
and other fruit, this also we left on the left hand: and we haue hitherto
kept our course from Rouignio East southeast. [Sidenote: Meleda. Mount Sant
Angelo.] This Iland is vnder the Signiorie or gouernement of Ragusa, it is
distant from Ragusa 50 miles, and there is by that Iland a greater, named
Meleda, which is also vnder the gouernement of Ragusa, it is about 30 miles
in length, and inhabited, and hath good portes, it lyeth by East from
Augusta, and ouer against this Iland lyeth a hill called Monte S. Angelo,
vpon the coast of Puglia in Italy, and we had sight of both landes at one
time.
The 23 we sayled all the day long by the bowline alongst the coast of
Ragusa, and towardes night we were within 7. or 8. miles of Ragusa, that we
might see the white walles, but because it was night, we cast about to the
sea, minding at the second watch, to beare in againe to Ragusa, for to know
the newes of the Turkes armie, but the winde blew so hard and contrary,
that we could not. [Sidenote: Ragusa paieth 14000. Sechinos to the Turke
yerely.] This citie of Ragusa paieth tribute to the Turke yerely fourteene
thousand Sechinos, and euery Sechino is of Venetian money eight liuers and
two soldes, besides other presents which they giue to the Turkes Bassas
when they come thither. The Venetians haue a rocke or cragge within a mile
of the said towne, for the which the Raguseos would giue much money, but
they doe keepe it more for the namesake, then for profite. This rocke lieth
on the Southside of the towne, and is called Il Cromo, there is nothing on
it but onely a Monasterie called Sant Ieronimo. The maine of the Turkes
countrie is bordering on it within one mile, for the which cause they are
in great subiection. This night we were put backe by contrarie winds, and
ankered at Melleda.
The 24 being at an anker vnder Melleda, we would haue gone on land, but the
winde came so faire that we presently set sayle and went our course, and
left on the right hand of vs the forenamed Iland, and on the left hand
betweene vs and the maine the Iland of Zupanna, and within a mile of that
vnder the maine by East, another Iland called Isola de Mezo. This Iland
hath two Monasteries in it, one called Santa Maria de Bizo, and the other
Sant Nicholo. Also there is a third rocke with a Frierie called Sant
Andrea: these Ilands are from the maine but two miles, and the channell
betweene Melleda and Zupanna is but foure or fiue miles ouer by gesse, but
very deepe, for we had at an anker fortie fathoms. The two Ilands of
Zupanno and Mezo are well inhabited, and very faire buildings, but nothing
plentie saue wine onely. This night toward sunne set it waxed calme, and we
sayled little or nothing.
The 24 we were past Ragusa 14 miles, and there we mette with two Venetian
ships, which came from Cyprus, we thought they would haue spoken with vs,
for we were desirous to talke with them, to knowe the newes of the Turkes
armie, and to haue sent some letters by them to Venice. About noone, we had
scant sight of Castel nouo, which Castell a fewe yeeres past the Turke
tooke from the Emperour, in which fight were slaine three hundred Spanish
souldiers, besides the rest which were taken prisoners, and made gallie
slaves. This Castell is hard at the mouth of a channell called Boca de
Cataro. The Venetians haue a hold within the channell called Cataro, this
channell goeth vp to Budoa, and further vp into the countrey. About sunne
set we were ouer against the hilles of Antiueri in Sclauonia, in the which
hilles the Venetians haue a towne called Antiueri, and the Turkes haue
another against it called Marcheuetti, the which two townes continually
skirmish together with much slaughter. At the end of these hils endeth the
Countrey of Sclauonia, and Albania beginneth. These hilles are thirtie
miles distant from Ragusa.
The 27 we kept our course towards Puglia, and left Albania on the left
hand. The 28. we had sight of both the maines, but we were neere the coast
of Puglia, for feare of Foystes. It is betweene Cape Chimera in Albania and
Cape Otranto in Puglia 60 miles. Puglia is a plaine low lande, and Chimera
in Albania is very high land, so that it is seene the further. Thus sayling
our course along the coast of Puglia, we saw diuerse white Towers, which
serue for sea-markes. About three of the clocke in the after noone, we had
sight of a rocke called Il fano, 48 miles from Corfu, and by sunne set we
discouered Corfu. Thus we kept on our course with a prosperous winde, and
made our way after twelue mile euery houre. Most part of this way we were
accompanied with certaine fishes called in the Italian tongue Palomide, it
is a fish three quarters of a yard in length, in colour, eating, and making
like a Makarell, somewhat bigge and thick in body, and the tayle forked
like a halfe moone, for the which cause it is said that the Turke will not
suffer them to be taken in all his dominions.
The 29 in the morning we were in sight of an Iland, which we left on our
left hande called Cephalonia, it is vnder the Venetians, and well
inhabited, with a faire towne strongly situated on a hill of which hill the
Iland beareth her name, it hath also a very strong fortresse or Castle, and
plentie of corne and wine, their language is Greek, it is distant from the
maine of Morea, thirtie miles, it is in compasse 80 miles. One houre within
night we sayled by the towne standing on the South cape of Cephalonia,
whereby we might perceiue their lights. There come oftentimes into the
creeks and riuers, the Turkes foystes and gallies where at their arriual,
the Countrey people doe signifie vnto their neighbours by so many lights,
as there are foistes or gallies in the Iland, and thus they doe from one to
another the whole Iland ouer. Aboute three of the clocke in the afternoone
the winde scanted, and wee minded to haue gone to Zante, but we could not
for that night. [Sidenote: Zante.] This Iland of Zante is distant from
Cephalonia, 12 or 14 miles, but the towne of Cephalonia, from the towne of
Zante, is distant fortie miles. This night we went but little forward.
The 30 day we remained still turning vp and downe because the winde was
contrary, and towards night the winde mended, so that we entered the
channell betweene Cephalonia, and Zante, the which chanell is about eight
or tenne miles ouer, and these two beare East and by South, and West and by
North from the other. The towne of Zante lieth within a point of the land,
where we came to an anker, at nine of the clocke at night.
[Sidenote: Iohn Locke, and fiue Hollanders goe on land.] The 31 about sixe
of the clocke in the morning, I with fiue Hollanders went on land, and
hosted at the house of Pedro de Venetia. After breakfast we went to see the
towne, and passing along we went into some of the Greeke churches, wherein
we sawe their Altares, images, and other ornaments. [Sidenote: Santa Maria
de la Croce.] This done, wee went to a Monasterie of Friers called Sancta
Maria de la Croce, these are westerne Christians, for the Greekes haue
nothing to doe with them, nor they with the Greekes, for they differ very
much in religion. There are but 2. Friers in this Friery. [Sidenote: The
tombe of M. T. Cicero.] In this Monasterie we saw the tombe that M. T.
Cicero was buried in, with Terentia Antonia, his wife. This tombe was
founde about sixe yeeres since, when the Monastery was built, there was in
time past a streete where the tombe stoode. At the finding of the tombe
there was also found a yard vnder ground, a square stone somewhat longer
then broad, vpon which stone was found a writing of two seuerall handes
writing, the one as it seemed, for himselfe, and the other for his wife,
and vnder the same stone was found a glasse somewhat proportioned like an
vrinall, but that it was eight square and very thicke, wherein were the
ashes of the head and right arme of Mar. T. Cicero, for as stories make
mention he was beheaded as I remember at Capua, for insurrection. And his
wife hauing got his head and right arme, (which was brought to Rome to the
Emperor) went from Rome, and came to Zante, and there buried his head and
arme, and wrote vpon his tombe this style M. T Cicero. Haue. [Marginal
note: Or, Aue.] Then followeth in other letters, _Et tu Terentia Antonia_,
which difference of letters declare that they were not written both at one
time. [Sidenote: The Description of the tombe.] The tombe is long and
narrowe, and deepe, walled on euery side like a graue, in the botome
whereof was found the sayd stone with the writing on it, and the said
glasse of ashes, and also another litle glasse of the same proportion,
wherein, as they say, are the teares of his friendes, and in those dayes
they did vse to gather and bury with them, as they did vse in Italy and
Spaine to teare their haire, to bury with their friendes. In the sayde
tombe were a fewe bones. After dinner we rested vntill it drew towards
euening by reason of the heat. [Sidenote: Sant Elia, but one Frier.] And
about foure of the clocke we walked to another Frierie a mile out of the
towne called Sant Elia, these are white Friers, there were two, but one is
dead, not sixe dayes since. This Frierie hath a garden very pleasant, and
well furnished with Orenges, Lemons, pomegranates, and diuers other good
fruites. The way to it is somewhat ragged, vp hill and downe, and very
stonie, and in winter very durtie. It standeth very plesantly in a clift
betweene two hilles, with a good prospect. From thence we ascended the hill
to the Castle, which is situated on the very toppe of a hill. [Sidenote:
The description of the Castle of Zante.] This Castle is very strong, in
compasse a large mile and a halfe, which being victualed, (as it is neuer
vnfurnished) and manned with men of trust, it may defende itselfe against
any Princes power. This Castle taketh the iust compasse of the hill, and no
other hill neere it, it is so steepe downe, and so high and ragged, that it
will tyre any man or euer he be halfe way vp. Very nature hath fortified
the walles and bulwarkes: It is by nature foure square, and it commandeth
the towne and porte. The Venetians haue alwayes their Podesta, or
Gouernour, with his two Counsellours resident therein. The towne is welle
inhabited, and hath great quantity of housholders. The Iland by report is
threescore and tenne miles about, it is able to make twentie thousand
fighting men. They say they have alwayes fiue or sixe hundred horsemen
readie at an houres warning. They saye the Turke hath assayed it with 100.
Gallies, but he could neuer bring his purpose to passe. It is strange to
mee how they should maintains so many men in this Iland, for their best
sustenance is wine, and the rest but miserable.