Cochin-China containing many admirable rarities and singularities of that countrey / extracted out of an Italian relation, lately presented to the Pope, by Christophoro Borri, that liued certaine yeeres there ; and published by Robert Ashley. Borri, Cristoforo, 1583-1632. 1633 Approx. 118 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 36 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A04899 STC 1504.5 ESTC S659 22145372 ocm 22145372 25167 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A04899) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 25167) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1762:20) Cochin-China containing many admirable rarities and singularities of that countrey / extracted out of an Italian relation, lately presented to the Pope, by Christophoro Borri, that liued certaine yeeres there ; and published by Robert Ashley. Borri, Cristoforo, 1583-1632. Ashley, Robert, 1565-1641. [71] p. Printed by Robert Raworth, for Richard Clutterbuck, and are to be sold at the signe of the Ball in Little-Brittaine, London : 1633. Signatures: [pi]¹ A-H⁴ I³. Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library. Includes bibliographical references. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Cochin China. 2003-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-09 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-10 Daniel Haig Sampled and proofread 2003-10 Daniel Haig Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion COCHIN-CHINA Containing many admirable Rarities and Singularities of that Countrey . Extracted out of an Italian Relatiòn , lately presented to the POPE , by CHRISTOPHORO BORRI , that liued certaine yeeres there . And published by ROBERT ASHLEY . Cum hac persuasione viuendum est ; Non sum vni angulo natus : Patria mea totus hic mundus est . Seneca . LONDON . Printed by Robert Raworth ; for Richard Clutterbuck , and are to be sold at the signe of the Ball in Little-Brittaine . 1633. To the Right worthy Knight Sir Maurice Ahbot , Gouernour of the Honourable Company of Merchants , trading to the East Indies ; and the rest of that renowmed Society . HAuing of late yeeres addicted my selfe , especially amongst other Studies , to a more curious search and inquisition of this glorious and wondrous workemanship of the World , ( whereof the one moity is in a maner vnknowne to the other ) endeauouring to giue my selfe some satisfaction , by all such Relations and Discoueries as I could procure , of those Conntreys least knowne vnto vs ; whether described by our Countreymen or by other forraine Trauellers ▪ I became so affected with the following Relation of Cochin-China by an Italian Iesuite , ( who as it seemeth had beene resident there some yeeres ) that I conceiued the description hee maketh of the Countrey , and the Commodities thereof , would not onely giue some contentment to the curiosity of others ; but might also happely be vsefull to our Countreymen that trade and traffique in those Easterne parts : If not to open a traffique to China it selfe , on which it confineth ; yet at the least to giue occasion of further enquiry and discouery ; whether the Commodities of the Countrey be such as are pretended , and the accesse of all Strangers so freely inuited , as is heere insinuated . I am not ignorant that your trading into these remote parts of the East Indies hath had many opposers , especially of the ignorant and weaker sort ; who suppose the Treasure of the Realme to be exhausted thereby , in regard that they haue heard of much Money carried thither as well as other Commodities , and some late disasterous euents and accidents : as if it were no good husbandry to cast seed into the ground , because we are not alwayes assured to haue a happy Haruest . But this must not make any wise man impatient in his expectation of better successe ; which commonly commeth by a constant continuance of all so well grounded proceedings . For ( the case hauing beene well canuased and euery obiection discussed ) your experience hath taught , and your remonstrance to the Parliament hath manifested ; that as the publike profit by forraine Trade , is the only meanes whereby we gaine Treasure , ( for Mines wee haue none which doe afford it ) So the remotest traffique is alwayes most beneficiall to the publike Stocke ; and the Trade to the East Indies doth farre excell all others . I shall not need to enter into particulars , how many braue Ships are by this Trade yeerely builded , rigged and furnished ; how many good Marriners made and imployed ; how many Artificers and handicrafts men set on worke ; how many idle persons are taught to be seruiceable Sea-men ; how our Enemies are affronted , and our Concurrents counter poised , which with many other obseruatious haue beene by sundry of your selues very euidently declared . I will onely conclude , that seeing it is so many wayes apparent , that the Kings Customes are so much by your trading into these remotest regions increased ; His Fame thereby spread into Persia , India , Iapan , China , Iaua , and euen to the ends of the world dispersed ; His whole Realme and Kingdome thereby so much strengthened , safegarded and enriched ; with the Renowme Honour and reputation thereof so much raised end enlarged . I could wish , that as the remote Nauigation published by the Venetian Rhamusius , awakened the Industry of M ● Hakluyt , . and happely of M r. Purchas after him , to their diligent gatherings of the most remarkeable Voyages of our Nation : so some other able person ( of which our Countrey hath good store ) were encouraged and stirred vp , to continue such Collections : Yet not onely to the recording the exploits of our owne Nation ; but also to collect and publish what they find worth the regarding amongst Forreiners , that may any way be seruiceable for the instruction of ours . To such end this Relation is addressed vnto you , that if you find ought that may be vsefull therein , you may make your benefit thereof ; ( as it seemeth others of our neighbour Nations haue in some sort sought and attempted ) or at least by your owne farther experience , controll and rectifie their mistakings : To which purpose I cast this poore Mite into your rich Treasury ; and remaine , a well wisher to your worthy endeauours . Robert Ashley . The Preface Apologeticall . TWo sorts there are most like among others to bee least satisfied with the Publication of this Relation : Whereof the one may suppose the Countreyes of China and Cochin-China so far distant , and with which wee haue no Commerce , to concerne vs so little , that it is but lost labour , to be curious or inquisitiue how Men liue there ; or what commodities those Countreyes yeeld , and that therefore it were more safely and more wisely done , to looke neerer home to our owne ; and to our Neighbouring-Countreyes , with whom wee haue more to doe . Another sort there is , that suddenly censure all strange Reports of things which they haue not seene at home , or are not common in the Countreyes next consining , to bee leasings and lies : Condemning not onely our Countrey-man Sir Iohn Mandeuile , and with him Paulus Venetus , and other modern Authors of fables and fictions , but euen Plinie , Solinus , Strabo , and that ancient Historian Herodotus ; whose incredible seeming narrations the French-man Henery Stephens in his Apology hath made more credible by modern examples ; which , worke the Translater of it into English hath entitled , A World of Wonders . To this latter sort ( who would bee thought wise , because they are not giuen to bee credulous ) I answere first : That albeit credulity be an Argument of too much facility , yet the way to the discouery of Truth is not in the other extremity . Stulti dum vitant vitia , in contraria currunt : Wee must therefore learne to doubt and suspend our Iudgement in things not yet throughly discouered , and hearken to that of the great Philosopher Theophrastus , which hee had from Heraclitus , Res Mundi pulcherrimae ob arrogantiam hominum ignorantur dum nihil statuunt credere , nisi humana Mens rationem illius perceperit . Let vs also consider , that if Columbus had obtained no credit with any in his strange vndertakings ( as indeede hee had none with the Multitude , nor with many of the wiser sort ) so great a part of the World as America is found to be ( whose furthest extent towards the North is not yet knowne ) had beene vndiscouered . To the first sort , who would not haue vs too curiously inquisitiue of such remote Countreys as China , and Cochin-China , where wee haue no Commerce , I answere , that howsoeuer China giueth no easie accesse vnto Strangers ; who knoweth what alteration of time may breede ? seeing wee find sundry Relations of Portugals that haue penetrated into it ? And diuers Iesuits , forty or fifty yeeres resident in it ? Besides that , yeerely there is a Faire held at Canton , where there is free accesse to Strangers of all Nations for certaine moneths ? But by this present Relation , it appeareth to be cleane contrary in Cochin-China , where they admit all Strangers of what Nation soeuer , to haue Trade and Traffique , which being so , I finde not our owne Nation excluded . Yet admit that there were no likelihood of accesse : How sweete and pleasant , how ingenious and ingenuous , is the curious Inquisition and speculation of this admirable workmanship of the World , and the nobler parts thereof ? I will take a Testimony or two , both of Ancient and Moderne Authors . Seneca , enquiring after Happinesse , affirmeth , Curiosum nobis Natura Ingenium dedit , & Artis sibi & pulchritudinis suae conscia spectatores nos tantis rerum spectaculis genuit ; fructum sui perditura , si tam magna , tam clara , tam subtiliter ducta , tam nitida , et non vno genere formosa Solitudini oftenderet : Vt scias illam spectari voluisse ; non tantum aspici . And againe , Ego terras omnes tanquam meas videbo ; meas tanquam omnium . Ego sic viuam tanquam sciam alijs me natum : & Naturae rerum hoc nomine gratias agam . Quo enim melius genere negotium meum agere potuit ? vnum me donauit omnibus ; vni mihi omnes . Amongst other Moderne Authors Postellus , ( himselfe a great Traueller ) saith , Homo Natura , praeter proprium loquendi munus quo differt a caeteris animantibus , id etiam habet , quod peregrina omnia admiratur & ad insolita obstupescit , atque externis potius quam domesticis capitur . And another industrious Author of latter time , Ingenium humanum est curiosum , & nouitatis atque varietatis auidum , semper desiderat aliud genus remotum . And a little after , Quae noua quae rara vndeas Ingenium humanum afficiunt ; vt stolidus videri debeat , qui de his talibus non aueat disserere , neque secum ipse meditetur ea , & solicitet cum cura pernoscendi . I haue therefore thought , that happely there may be many others , which finding the like affections in themselues , may make vse of what is heere presented . The Contents of the Booke . CHAP. I. OF the Name , Situation , and Greatnesse of this Kingdome . CHAP. II. Of the Climate , and quality of the Countrey of Cochin-China . CHAP. III. Of the Fertillity of the Land. CHAP. IIII. Of the Elephants and Rhinoceros . CHAP. V. Of the Temperament , Manners , and Customes of the Cochin-Chinois , Of their manner of Liuing , Clothing , and Medicines . CHAP. VI. Of the Ciuill and Politicke Gouernement of Cochin-China . CHAP. VII . Of the Forces of the King of Cochin-China , and of the Warres he hath within his Kingdome . CHAP. VIII . Of the Commerce , Ports , and Hauens , of Cochin-China . A Relation of the Kingdome of COCHIN-CHINA . CHAP. I. Of the Name , Situation and Greatnesse of this Kingdome . COchin-China being so named by the Portugals , is called in the language of the Originarie inhabitants Anam , which is the West , in regard it is situate on the West of China ; in respect whereof the Iapaneses called it by the name of Coci , which in their tongue hath the same signification that Anam hath with the Cochin-Chineses : But the Portugals which trafique in Anam , are they which of the Iaponian word Coci and of China , haue made and compounded this word Cochin-China , being as much to say , as Cochin of China , to distinguish it from Cochin a City of India frequented by them . And whereas in many Mapps Cochin-China is commonly called or designed by the name of Cauchin-China , or Cauchine , or some other ; It proceedeth either of their 〈…〉 apting the proper name , or else because the makers of the Mapps would signifie , that this Kingdome is the entrance and beginning of China . Cochin-China on the South , confines with the kingdome of Chiampa , about the 11. degree of Northerly Latitude , on the North side ; yet somewhat Eastward , it bordereth on Tunchim ▪ on the East side it hath the Sea of China ; and on the West Northwest the kingdome of Lays . In length Cochin-China is held to extend aboue an hundred Leagues on the Sea coast ; from the kingdome of Chiampa , in 11. degrees of Northerly Latitude , reaching to the gulfe of Anam in the eleuation of about 17. degrees of the same , where the estate of the King of Tunchim beginneth . In breadth it is of no great extent , being straitned within the space of twenty Italian miles , all a plaine countrey , bounded on the one side with the Sea ; and hemmed in on the other with a great ranke of mountaines inhabited by the Kemois , which signifieth Saluages ; for although they bee Cochin-Chineses , they will not acknowledge the King , nor obey him in any thing , cantoning and fortifying themselues in those mountaines , almost inaccessible . Cochin-China is diuided into fiue Prouinces : The first where the King maketh his abode , ioyneth vpon Tunchim , and is called Sinuua : The second is named Cacciam , in which the Prince the Kings sonne doth reside as gouernour : The name of the third is Quamguia : The fourth Quignim , to which the Portugals haue giuen the name of Pulucambis : The fifth which bordereth on the Kingdome of Champa , is called Renram . CHAP. II. Of the Climate and quality of the Countrey of Cochin-China . THis Kingdome being ( as hath beene said ) betweene the 11. and 17. degree of Northerly latitude , it followeth consequently that the Countrey is rather hot then cold : Yet it is not so hot as India , though it haue the same eleuation of the Pole , and bee likewise vnder the Torrid Zone . The reason of which difference is , because that in India there is no distinction of the foure Seasons of the Yeere : In regard that there their Summer continueth for the space of nine Moneths together , during which no cloud appeareth in the skie , neither by day nor night ; in such sort that the Aire is alwayes scorched by reuerberation of the Sun-beames . The other three Moneths they call Winter , not because they are without heate ; but by reason of the continuall raines which are ordinary there both night and day at that season . And notwithstanding it naturally seemes that such continuall raine should somewhat refresh the Aire ▪ Yet the same falling in the Moneths of May , Iune , and Iuly , when the Sun is at his highest in the Zenith of India , no windes then stirring but those that are very hot , the Aire is thereby so stuffed and thickned , that the heat is then sometimes lesse tollerable then in the midst of Summer it selfe : during which there commonly come from the sea , some gentle cooling windes to refresh the Land ; without which gracious particular Prouidence of God , those Countreyes would be inhabitable . This is not so in Cochin-China , which enioying the foure seasons of the Yeere ( howsoeuer not so exactly distinguished as in Europe ) is much better tempered thereby . For notwithstanding that in their Summer which comprehendeth the three Moneths , Iune , Iuly , and August , it be there very hot as in a Countrey seated vnder the Torrid Zone , and hauing the Sun in those moneths , in the highest point of eleuation ouer their heads : Yet in September , October , and Nouember , being their Autumne the heat ceaseth , and the Aire is very temperate by reason of the continuall raines which doe ordinarily fall at those times on the Mountaines of the Kemois ; from whence there come waters in such abundance , that they ouerflow all the Countrey , and ioyning themselues with the sea they seeme to be one selfe thing therewith . Moreouer these Inundations of waters come commonly once in a fortnight , continuing about three dayes together ▪ The benefit that commeth thereby , is not only the refreshing of the Aire , but also the fatning of the earth , making it more fruitfull and abundant in all things , and especially in Rice , which is the best Manna , and the commonest nourishment of all the Kingdome . In the other three moneths of Winter , which are December , Ianuary and February , the Northerly windes bring such cold raines , that thereby they sufficiently distinguish Winter from their other seasons of the yeere . Finally in the Moneths of March , Aprill and May , there are seene the effects of a pleasant spring-time , all being greene and flourishing amongst them . Hauing thus declared these Inundations ; I must also acquaint you ▪ with some particular curiosities , and remarkable obseruations thereof , before I conclude this Chapter . The first shall be , that they are generally desired of all men , nor onely because the Aire is refreshed by them , becōming more ●●de● and pleasant , but much more in regard of the fruitfulnesse which they cause in the Earth : Whereupon as soone as they see them , the pleasure and contentment they haue , is such and so great , that they make it sufficiently appeare by their visiting , feasting and presenting one the other , crying oft for ioy , and all repeating and reiterating Daden Lut ▪ Daden Lut , which signifieth , the Water is come ▪ the Water is already come : Insomuch that there is none amongst them of what degree or qualitie soeuer but Feasteth and reioyceth : Yea , euen the King himselfe . Yet in as much as these inundations come so suddenly , and sometime so vnexpected , that when in the Euening they thought not of them , they find themselues in the Morning inuested on all sides , and shut vp in their houses , and that throughout all the Countrey it falls out now and then , that they loose their Cattell , that haue not had the leisure to retire and withdraw them for refuge into the hills , and higher places : In regard whereof there is a constitution in the Kingdome , that those Beeues , Goats , Hoggs , and other beasts which are drownd in these deluges , shall no longer belong to the proprietarie and owner of them , but shal be his that first seifeth on them : which custome occasioneth good sport amongst them , in regard that when the water commeth , they betake themselues to their Boates , in quest of such drowned cattell , with which they afterwards make merry , and feast their friends . The young Children haue also their playes and pastimes according to their age ; by reason that these great plaines couered ouer with Rice , abounding likewise with Rats , and Mice , they are forced by the water which hath filled their holes , to saue themselues by swimming , and to climbe vpon the tres for refuge , by meanes whereof the trees are loden with Rats and Mice , in lieu of leaues and fruits : Therupon the boyes get themselues into boates by bands , betaking themselues to the shaking of the trees , dismounting those Rats and Mice , drowning them in the water ; of which their childish disport , there commeth a great good to the Land , which by such meanes remaineth the more cleered and freed of this vermine ; which otherwise by little and little , would much waste and spoile their fields . The last commodity yet not the least which the Lut bringeth , is , that euery one thereby furnisheth and prouideth his house the better of all necessaries ; for in three dayes it maketh all the countrey nauigable euery where , with such ease and facilitie , that there is nothing but may easily bee conueyed from one Towne to another : in regard whereof they keepe all their Faires and great Markets at these times , when the concourse is alwayes greater then at any other time of the yeere . In those dayes also they make their prouision of wood for their firing and for Building , which they bring from the Mountaines in their Boates , that passe easily through the streetes , euen into their Houses , which for the purpose are mounted on ranckes of pillars , raised very high to giue the water a free entrance and issue ; euery one retiring meane time into the vppermost story of his House ▪ Vnto which the water ( which cannot bee sufficiently admired ) the Lut or Inundation neuer mounteth ; for they take their measure , so well , through long experience of the height of the waters , that they haue no feare thereof , being well assured that the waters will alwayes remaine below their Buildings . CHAP. III. Of the Fertility of the Land. ALbeit one may easily iudge of the fruitfulnes of Cochin-China , by the profit which the Lut bringeth ( as hath beene said ) yet somewhat may bee said in particular . The Land becommeth so fat and so fruitfull by this Lut or ouerflowing , that thrice euery yeere they gather their Rice , and that in such great quantity and aboundance , that there is none will labour for his liuing , euery one hauing plentiously whereon to liue . The plenty and the variety of fruits is great all the yeere long , of as many seuerall sorts as there are in India ; for Cochin-China lieth in the same Climate : Yet in particular it hath fairer and greater Oranges then we haue in Europe , and those very succulent ; the rinde of them being so soft , so tender and so sauoury , that it is as vsually eaten as the inside , which is of as pleasing a relish and taste , as the Limons of Italy : There are also certaine fruits which the Portugals call Bananes , and others terme them Indian Figgs , but with no great reason in my opinion , seeing neither the tree which in India is called the figtree , nor yet that of Cochin-China hath any resemblance of our figtree , either in the wood or in the fruit : The tree is like that plant which wee call Turkie-wheat , though much higher , and the leaues so long and broad , that two of them will serue to couer a man from the top to the toe , and so compasse him round about ; which haply made some to be of opinion , that this was the tree of the terrestriall Paradise , with the leaues whereof Adam sought to couer his nakednesse : This tree beareth a grape at the top , of twenty , thirty or fourty together in a cluster , euery of which in his shape , as also in his length and greatnesse , resembleth the common Citrons of Italy : When the fruit is not ripe , the rinde is greene of colour , and groweth yellow afterward as the Citrons doe : One shall not neede a knife to open and to pill this fruit , for the rinde thereof commeth away as easily as the huske of yong Beanes ; It hath a pleasing smell , and the yellow flesh or marrow within , is as firme as that of a ripe peare which will melt in the mouth ; Whence it appeareth that this tree hath nothing common to the Fig-tree , but the taste and sweetnesse . There is also another sort of these Fruits , which is not eaten , but rosted and put in Wine . This plant is dried vp euery yeere when it hath yeelded his fruit , hauing at his foot a tender sprout for the next yeere . Moreouer ▪ that which in Italy they call the fig-tree of India , hath no resemblance either with the plant or with the fruit of this Bananes : This fruit is also common to all the Prouinces of India . But in Cochin-China there is another sort which is neither found in China , nor in all India ; It is equall in greatnes to the greatest Citrons of Italy , and is so substantiall , that one of them will satisfie a man , the flesh within is very white ▪ they are of a pleasing taste , and exceeding good against the loosenes of the belly . There is also in Cochin-China another fruit , which I haue not seene elsewhere ; in India it is called Can , and resembleth in shape and fashion , the outside of the Pomegranate : But the Marrow within is more liquid to be taken and eaten with a Spoone , hauing an aromaticke taste , and is for colour not vnlike to a ripe Medlar . They haue also a fruit like vnto our Cherries , but their taste is more like that of the Raisin : In their language they call them Gnoo . Neither are they without Melons , yet not so good as those of Italy ; nor are they vsually eaten but with Sugar , or Hony. But their Cucumbers or Water-Melons , as others terme them , are exceeding great , and most excellent . There groweth also a fruit called Gyaque , which is common also elsewhere in India , but not so faire by much , as in Cochin-China , growing on a tree as high as the Wall-nut or Chess-nut tree , with much longer prickels : This fruit is as great as the greatest Cabbage , for one of them is as much as one man can carry at one time . It is like a Pine-apple in the outside , but the inside is tender and soft ; full of yellow eares or cloues , whose graynes are flat and round as a Iulio of Italy , or a Teston ; and in the midst of each graine is found a bone , which they cast away when they eate the fruit . There are two sorts , those which the Portugals call Giaca-barca , whose meat is firme when the kernell is cast away : The other is not so firme , but rather soft as glue ; the taste of either of them is much resembling that of the delicious fruit called Durion , which wee are now to describe . The Durion is one of the most excellent fruits in the World , which groweth not elsewhere but at Malacca , Borneo , or some Iles thereabouts : There is no great difference betweene the tree that beareth it , and the Gyaque ; the fruit thereof , as well as that of the Gyaque , resembling the Pine-apple outwardly , both in the shape , and hardnesse of his rinde : The meate is close to the bone , as in the other , being maruellous white , and in taste and sweetnesse like the Mangiar-bianco , a delicate dish of the Italians . This meat , and this liquor within the Apple , is in ten or twelue little cells , euery of which hath his white meate about the bone as big as a Chess-nut : When you breake or open it , there commeth out a very vnpleasing smell , like that of a rotten Onion ; yet that which is within hath no taste thereof at all , but is sweete and most delitious . Whereupon I will relate a History of what happened where I was present : One being desirous to giue a taste of this fruit to a Prelate that was newly come to Malacca , opened it before him , not thinking thereof , whence there came so strong and so vnpleasing a sauour , that the Prelate became so distasted therewith , that hee could not possibly be perswaded to taste thereof : But being set at the Table to his Dinner , amongst other seruices , there was presented to him a dish containing nothing but the inside of this fruit , which in sauour and taste is so like to the Mangiar-bianco , that it was easie to make the Prelate or any other to mistake it , that had not seene it dressed or prepared . He had no sooner put his hand to it , but at the very first morsell which he tooke , he found the taste so exquisite , that with astonishment hee enquired , who was the Cooke that had prepared such a delicious white meate ; whereunto hee that feasted him in his House , made answere smiling , that no other Cooke had medled therewith , but the great GOD , who had furnished this Countrey with so rare a fruit ; which was no other but the Durion which he had in so great horror at the first : Wherewith the Prelate was much astonished , eating thereof with so good an appetite , as if he could not haue too much of it . This fruit is held so excellent , that euen at Malacca where it groweth , the same is sometimes sold for a Crowne a piece . In Cochin-China also there is great plenty of another fruit , which the Portugals call Ananes . And albeit there be nothing more common throughout India and in Brazil ; yet because I doe not find them so well discribed to my mind , by such as haue made mention of them , I will adde a word or two concerning the same . This fruit groweth not on any tree , neither commeth it of any seed , but of a roote , as our Artichockes doe : The stalke and leafe is very like those of the Carduus-thistles and Artichoks : It is round like a colomne or pillar of 9. inches in length , and of such a greatnesse , that one can scarcely clip it with both his hands . The meate thereof is closed within like as in the Radish : But it hath a harder rinde , which is fashioned in resemblance like to the scales of Fishes . It is yellow within when it is ripe , and then the outside being pared away with a Knife , it is vsually eaten raw , being of a sharpe and sweete relish , when it commeth to his naturity , not vnlike to a delicate Peare . There is also found in Cochin-China another fruit , peculiar to that Countrey : It is called of the Portugals , Areca , which groweth on a tree of as straight a body as the Palme-tree ; hollow within , and hath no leaues but at the top onely , as the Palme-tree leaues are : In the midst of which there are little boughs on which the fruit hangeth , in bignes and shape like the wall-nut , hauing also a greene huske like vnto it , and the meat within as white and hard as a Chess-nut ; yet hath no taste nor sauour at all : Therefore it is not eaten alone , but couered with leaues of Betle , being a plant well knowne in all India , whose leaues are like Iuie leaues , and the plant it selfe climbing on trees as our Iuie in Europe . They cut their leaues into small pieces , and in euery piece they put a morsell of Areca , so that of one fruit , they make foure or fiue morsells : They vse also to put Lime to their Areca ; such as they make in that countrey of Oyster-shells , and not of Lime-stones as they doe in Europe . And as with vs there are commonly some appointed to dresse the Meat , to prouide Cates and to performe other offices : So in Cochin-China there is in euery house some or other appointed to no other office , but onely to infold these morsels of Areca in the Betle , and the officers that are so imployed , who most commonly are women , be called the Betleres . These morsels thus prepared are put into boxes , and they vsually goe chewing on them all day long , not onely within doores , but euen when they goe vp and downe the streetes , or speake with any , in all places and at all times ; But after they haue long chewed it and kept it in their mouthes without swallowing of it , they spit it out ; contenting themselues with the odour and quality which doth maruellously comfort the stomach . This fruit thus prepared , is in such request among them , that when any goeth to the house of another to visit him , hee carrieth with him a boxe thereof , presenting it vnto him , which he presently putteth in his mouth ; and before he take his leaue , he that is so visited , commandeth the Betlere of the house to bring him a boxe thereof , which hee offereth to him that came to him that came to see him , in requitall of his courtesie . In such sort that they must alwayes haue it prepared in a readinesse ; and so great is the profit thereof , that the greatest reuenue of the Countrey , consisteth in possessing fields well planted with Areca , as in Europe with Vines and Oliues . Tobacco is also vsed there , though not so frequently as their Betle . There are also Cabbages of all sorts in great abundance , as well as Sugar-Canes . Our fruits of Europe are not yet come to Cochin-China ; howbeit I am of opinion that the Vine and Figg-tree would prosper well there . Our herbes , as Lettice , Succory , Coleworts and such other are growing in Cochin-China , and all ouer India ; yet they beare leaues onely without any seed : so that when they would haue any new , they are faine to haue the seed out of Europe . Flesh is also there in great plenty , by reason of the abundance of foure footed beasts which they nourish there in their houses , as Kine , Goats , Swine , Buffles , and such other . Of wild beasts , as Harts , they haue many greater then those of Europe ; Wild Bores and diuers others . They haue great store of Fowles , tame Hens and wild , with which their fields are couered ; Turtle-Doues , Pigeons , Duckes , Geese and Cranes , which are very sauoury meat ; besides many others which we haue not here in Europe . There is also great store of Fish , and that of so exquisite relish and taste , that hauing crossed so many Seas , and trauelled through so many Countreys as I haue done , methinkes I haue not found the Fish of any other place , comparable to that of Cochin-China . And by reason that the whole length of the countrey lieth on the Sea , as I haue said , there is such a multitude of Fisher-boates , and Fish-takers , and Fish-carriers throughout the Kingdome , that it is a pritty spectacle to behold so many rankes of men , carrying Fish from the Sea side , euen vp to the Mountaines ; in which exercise they imploy twenty of the foure and twenty houres of the day . And although it bee true , that they like better of Fish then of Flesh , yet the chiefe cause why they are so much giuen to Fishing is , the desire they haue to prouide themselues a Sauce which they call Balaciam , that is made of a salted Fish mollified and dissolued in water ; whereof they make a biting liquor , not vnlike vnto Mustard , with which they furnish their Houses in so great a quantity , that they fill Tunnes and Hogsheads therewith , as in many places of Europe men doe with wines ▪ yet they vse it not for meat by it selfe , but for sauce onely to quicken their appetite in eating of their Rice , which they suppose would otherwise bee vnsauoury . They abound also with Shel-fish , with Oysters , and other fruits of the Sea ; especially with one kind which they call Cameron . But beyond all that hath beene said , Gods Prouidence hath priuiledged them with a rare and exquisite kind of food , which in my opinion cannot bee better likened or compared , then to that Manna with which the chosen people of God were fed in the Desart . This kind of food is so peculiar to Cochin-China , that it is not any where else . That which I will say thereof shall not be by hearesay , or by report of any other , but by mine owne experience , who haue seene and eaten of it often . There is a little Bird in this Countrey , like vnto a Swallow , which fasteneth his nest to the rocks , on which the waues of the Sea doe beate , and are broken . This little creature taketh with her bill some of the froth of the Sea , and with a certaine humour which shee draweth out of her stomacke , mingling the one with the other , maketh I know not what clay-like bituminous matter , wherewith shee after buildeth her nest ; which when it is growne to be dry and hard , becommeth transparent , and of a mingled colour , betwixt yellow and greene . These nests are gathered by those of the Countrey , and being softened and dissolued in water , serue to season all their Meates , either Flesh , or Fish , Hearbes or any thing else ; giuing such a diuersity of relish , and so proper to euery of them , that one would thinke they were prepared with Pepper , Cinamom , Cloues , and all manner of Spices : in such sort , that this little nest is sufficient to season all sorts of Viands without Salt , Oyle or Lard , or any other thing : Which made me say that indeede it resembled the Manna , which had in it selfe the taste of all the most fauourie kinds of foode ; but that this is only the worke of a little Bird , whereas the other was prepared by the Angels of God. And of this there is such store , that I haue seene ten little boats loaden with these nests , gathered along the Rocks within the space of halfe a League . But because it is such an exquisite thing , none but the King doth traffique therewith , they are all reserued for him , and the greatest vtterance he maketh of them , is for the King of China , who hath them in great esteeme . They eate not any Milke nor ought made thereof , holding it for a great offence to draw milke from Kine or any other creatures : and their reason for such their scrupulosity is , that they say , the milke was ordained by Nature , for the nourishment of the young ones : As if hee to whom the little ones appertaine , could not dispose of the nutriment due vnto them . They eate certaine things which wee lothe and abhorre as venimous ; namely the Camelions , which are greater there , then those which being dried , are brought out of strange Countreyes oftentimes into Italy . I haue seene some brought by a friend of mine , bound , and packed vp , which he cast vpon the burning coales , and assoone as their bands were burnt , they marched faire and softly after their manner , on the liue coales , till such time as they felt the force of the fire , which they indured for a while , being of a very cold constitution ; but in the end they were rosted and broiled , whereupon this friend of mine , drew them to him , and scraping away the burnt skin with a Knife , found their flesh to be exceeding white , which hee brayed and sod with a little sawce like vnto Butter , and eate them as a most excellent meat , inuiting me thereunto : But I was contented with the sight of it . Of all other things requisite for the intertainement of a mans life , Cochin-China is also very sufficiently prouided . As first for apparell , there is such abundance of Silke , that the handy-craft men , and the baser sort of people weare it dayly . By occasion whereof , I haue diuers times taken pleasure to see the men and women trauell in carrying Stones , Earth , Lime and other like things , without any regard taken of the tearing or fouling their faire and rich apparell which they weare . Yet this will not seeme strange to any , that shall know how these high Mulberry trees , by whose leaues the Silke-wormes are nourished , are as plentifull here in these large plaines , as Hempe is with vs , and no longer time in growing . In such sort , that in a few Moneths the Wormes come forth of them , and nourish themselues in the Aire ▪ spinne out their Silke in due time , and make their Codds , Bladders and Bottomes , in so great a quantity and abundance , that not only the Inhabitants haue enough fot their owne necessary vses and occasions ; but they furnish Iapan also , and send Silke to the Kingdome of Lais , wherehence it is also carried into the Kingdome of Thibet : For albeit the Silke be not so fine and delicate , yet it is stronger and more substantiall then that of China . Their Buildings and Houses are all of wood ▪ yet in regard thereof they need not enuy any other Prouince ; because that without any exaggeration , the Wood and Timber of this countrey is the best of all the world , by the iudgement of those that haue beene in many places . Amongst that great number and exceeding great diuersitie of trees which they haue , there are two sorts most commonly imployed in their Buildings , which are so incorruptible , that they are not endammaged by being in the water , or vnder the earth : They be so sollid also and so weighty , that they will not swim on the water , but serue for Anchors . One of these kinds of wood is blacke , yet not so blacke as the Ebeny : The other is red ; being both of them so smooth and euen , that when the Barke is taken away , they need no plaining or smoothing . These trees are called Tin , and haply he should not much be deceiued , that should be of opinion that the trees which Salomon vsed in the building of the Temple , were of the same incorruptible Timber ; seeing wee know already by the Scripture , that those which he imployed were called Ligna Thyine , 2. Chro. 9. 10. 11. which approacheth very neere their name . The mountaines of Cochin-China are couered all ouer with these trees which are exceeding straight , and of such vnmeasurable height , that they seeme to touch the clouds with their tops ; and therewith so thicke , that two men cannot circle them about . With these trees doe the inhabitants of Cochin-China build their houses ; of which it is lawfull for euery one to take on the mountaines as many as he will. Their houses are built vpon pillars that are very high and sound , and well vnderlaid ; vnto which they ioyne boards and plankes , which they can take off and lay on againe , as they list to change them with Grates or Lattices of Canes and Reeds , which they interlace curiously to let in the Aire in times of heat ; partly also to giue the water free passage in and out , and that their boats may haue egresse and regresse in the time of inundations . They vse also a thousand deuises and inuentions to beautifie and adorne their houses ; caruing their boards and planks with curious workemanship , and making their habitations delightfull with variety of garnishment . Now whiles we are discoursing of Trees , I will adde somewhat as concerning another kind of wood which is their most precious merchandise : This is that renowned wood called Aquila and Calamba , which are the same in regard of the wood , yet much different in the reckoning made of them , as also in their vertue and efficacie . There is good store of these trees , especially on the mountaines of the Kemois , which are very great and very high . If this wood be cut from a young trunke or stocke , then they call it Aquila ; whereof there is such plenty , that euery one may take as much as he will : But when this wood is taken from an old tree , this is the Calamba , which were exceeding hard to be gotten , if Nature had not holpen in that behalfe , placing these trees at the top of the highest , steepe , and craggie mountaines , where they may quietly grow without any wrong or violence done them . There are falling from them from time to time , some branches which breake of themselues from the body of the tree ; either by becomming blasted and withered , or by extremity of old age , which are found to be rotten and worme-eaten . This is the high-prised and renowned Calamba , which farre surpasseth the common Aquila , in efficacie and sweetnes of scent . Euery one may sell of the Aquila at his pleasure ; but the traffique of the Calamba is reserued to the King alone , for the excellent odour and soueraigne vertue thereof . And certainely in those places where it is gathered , it is so sweet , and so odoriferous , that prouing certaine pieces of it , which had beene giuen me , I buried them more then fiue foot vnder ground ; yet notwithstanding they betrayed themselues by their sweet smell . This Calamba where it is gathered , is valued at fiue Ducats the pound ; yet at the Port of Cochin-China it yeeldeth more ; and scarcely to be had vnder sixteene Ducats the pound : And being transported to Iapan , it is valued at two hundred Ducats the pound : But if one meet with a piece of such greatnes that a man may lay his head on it , as on a pillow ; the Iaponeses will giue three or foure hundred Ducats the pound for it : because they find by experiment ( as they say ) that it is better for health , to haue some hard thing vnder ones head when he sleepeth , then a soft pillow of feathers : which because they hold to be vnwholsome , they vse ordinarily a piece of wood for a Boulster to rest their head on ; which euery one according to his ability , will haue as costly as he can get . And if it be made of Calamba , they account it a pillow for a Prince . Now the Aquila , howsoeuer it be of lesse estimation and value then the Calamba ; yet it is of such account and worth , that one Ships lading of Aquila is sufficient to inrich a Merchant all his life . And the best recompense that the King can giue to a Captaine of Malacca , is , to trade and traffique with this Aquila : by reason that the Brachmans and Banians of India , being accustomed to burne the bodies of the dead with this odoriferous wood , will quickly dispatch and rid him of an infinite quantity thereof . In conclusion , there are also in Cochin-China , many Mines of the preciousest Metalls , and of Gold especially . So to comprehend in few words the fertility of this country , which meriteth a more larger discourse ; I will conclude this Chapter with that which the Merchants of Europe that trade thither commonly say , That the riches of Cochin-China are greater then those of China it selfe ; which is knowne to be so exceeding rich and plentifull in all good things . CHAP. IIII. Of the Eelphants and Rhinoceros . THere are many Elephants in the woods of Cochin-China ; of which they make no vse , because they haue not the skill to catch them and to make them tame , but they haue some brought vnto them from a neighbouring countrey called Cambogia , which are instructed and disciplined before . These are as great againe as the Indian Elephants , the print of their foot which they leaue behind them , is a foot and halfe in the Diameter : The teeth which come out of their mouthes , of which Iuorie is made , are oft times thirteene , sometimes fourteene foot in length ; but those of the female Elephants are much shorter : Whence may easily be coniectured , how much greater the Elephants of Cochin-China are , then those which are brought into Europe , whose teeth are not aboue two foot and a halfe in length . They are long liued ; and thereupon when I once demanded how old one of them was , his Conductor answered me , that he was threescore yeeres old when he was brought out of Cambogia , and had liued fourty yeeres in Cochin-China . And because I haue trauelled many times on Elephants in this Kingdome , I can report many things of them which will seeme very strange , but are neuerthelesse true . The Elephant doth ordinarily carry thirteene or foureteene persons , who are thus in this manner accommodated ; Euen as we put Saddles on our Horses , so doe they put vpon their Elephants , a kind of Engine fashioned like vnto a great Hors-Litter , within the which there are foure seates ; and it is fastned and tied with chaines vnder the belly of the Elephant , in like manner as the Saddle is with the Girthes to the Horse . This Litter hath two entries or open places on each side , in which are bestowed sixe persons , being ranked by three and three ; and another behind , wherein two persons are placed ; and then the Nayre , ( who is as the Coach-man or Conductor ) placing himselfe on the Head of the Elephant , that he may guide and gouerne him . It hath not onely happened vnto me to trauell by Land in this manner , but many times also by Water , passing in this sort ouer some arme of the Sea , sometimes more then halfe a league from the Land ▪ And to speake trueth , it is a maruellous thing to him that neuer saw it ; to see such a great and huge masse of flesh , loaden with so heauy a burden , to goe swimming and crossing the waters like a Boate with Oares . True it is , that he made it sufficiently appeare , that he suffered much , as well in the paines he tooke to carry the great masse of his body , as for his difficulty of breathing ; Insomuch that to ease and refresh himselfe in this great trauell , he tooke vp the water in his trunke , and cast it vp so high in the aire , that one might haue thought it had beene some Whale of the Sea. By reason of his great corpulency , it is an extreame difficulty for him to bow downe ; and although he must needs doe it , for the commoditie of those that are to goe out or enter into the Litter , yet he neuer doth it but when the Nayre commandeth him ; and if whiles he is so bowed downe , any make too long stay , either in complying with friends or otherwise ; he raiseth himselfe on his feet , with impatience to remaine so long in such a violent posture . It is no lesse wonder , to see how at the commandment of the Nayre , he maketh his body in manner of a Ladder , for the greater commodity of those that are to enter into the Litter : For the first step , he offereth his Foot , which is distant enough from ground ; for the second he presenteth his Pasterne , at a conuenient distance from the first ; and for the third , he boweth his Knee ▪ the fourth step , is on the bone of his Flanke which is cast somewhat outward for the purpose ; and from thence he receiueth you on his trunke , and carrieth you to a chaine fastned to his Litter . Hereby euidently appeareth , how much they haue bin deceiued who haue written , that the Elefant could neither bow himselfe nor lie downe , and that the only way to take him , was to cut the tree against which he was to leane when he went to sleepe : because that by the fall of that tree which was to sustaine and support him , he must of force fall downe without any ability to raise himselfe againe : by which meanes , he should be an assured prey to the Hunter that pursued him . All this is but a fable ; although it be out of doubt , that he neuer lieth downe to sleepe : that Situation being so incommodious and violent for him , as hath beene expressed : and therefore hee sleepeth alwayes standing , with a continuall agitation of his head . In occasion of Warre and Battaile , they take off the couering of the Litter , wherehence , as out of a Tower , the Souldiers fight with Arrowes and Muskets , and sometimes also with Field-pieces ; the Elephant hauing strength enough to cary them : For this beast is exceeding strong , and hath not his like . I haue seene one my selfe , cary excessiue burdens on his trunk : Another that lifted vp a great piece of Artillery : Another alone to draw ten small Boats one after another , taking them betweene his Teeth , with great dexterity , and casting them into the Sea. I haue seene others , pull vp great Trees by the rootes , as easily as a man would pull vp a Colewort or a Lettice : With as much facilitie they will throw downe and ouerturne Houses , beat downe whole Streetes , when they are commanded in the Warres , to endammage the enemie , and in Peace , when a House is on fire , that it take not hold of the rest . The trunke of the Elephant is long , proportionally to the rest of his body , so that without stooping or bowing downe , he can easily reach from the ground , what hee list : It is composed of many little nerues , bound , and linked one vnto the other , in such sort , that on the one side , it is so flexible and maniable , that he extendeth and turneth it as he list , to receiue any the least things ; and on the other side , it is therewithall , as hard and strong as we haue said . His whole body is couered with a hard and rough ash ▪ coloured skin : His ordinary trauell , is 12. leagues a day . His motion to those that are not vsed vnto it ; bringeth the like incommoditie as they find in the Ship , that are not accustomed to Sea-voyages . For the Docilitie of the Elephant , I shall say more maruellous things , then those which are ordinarily rehearsed : Which will make it manifest , that with great reason it was said by one , Elephanto belluarum nulla prudentior ; seeing hee doth such things as will giue men iust cause to beleeue , that they cannot see how they should be done , without Intelligence and Prudence . First then , the Nayre vseth an Instrument of Iron about the length of foure hands breadth , with which he doth somtimes beate or pricke him , with a sharpe crooke which is in the end thereof , to awaken him , and make him attentiue to what is commanded him , yet notwithstanding hee doth ordinarily rule and direct him with words , in such sort , that hee seemeth to vnderstand his language : And there are of them , that vnderstand three or foure , according to the Countreyes where they haue liued . So it seemed that hee on which I trauelled , understood the Language of Cambogia , whence he was brought , and that of Cochin-China , where he serued . But who would not wonder to see the Nayre talking to his Elephant , informing him of his voyage , of the wayes he is to goe , in what Inne hee intendeth to lodge , what prouision hee shall find there , and to tell him particularly what he is to doe in all that Iourney thorowout ; and that the Elephant performeth all with as much punctuality , as a man of sound Iudgement . In such sort , that hauing vnderstood whither he is to goe , hee goeth straight directly thither , without seeking of a beaten way , and without any astonishment , if he meet with riuers , Woods , or Mountaines , but imagining that he shall euery where make his passage , hee passeth through all difficulties : For if there be a Riuer in his way , hee either wadeth , or swimmeth through it ; If hee be to passe through a Wood , hee breaketh the branches that hinder him , pulleth vp whole Trees with his trunke , and cutteth off others with a sharpe Iron , made like vnto a Sithe , which for such purposes is fastened vnto the forepart of the Litter ; and when occasion serueth , hee draweth first the branches and boughes to him , then he taketh this Iron and cutteth them away ; making himselfe an open passage through the thickest Forrests whatsoeuer , whereby men perceiue that the Elephant hath beene there and opened the way . All this hee doth easily , and readily to execute the commandements of the Nayre . One onely thing this beast findeth incommodious and grieuous , which is , when any thorne or other sharpe thing pricketh the soles of his feete , which he hath very tender and sensible ; going therefore but softly , and with great circumspection , when hee is to passe through such dangerous places . I was once on a Iourney , in which there were seuen or eight Elephants in company , when I hard the Nayres each of them aduertising his beast to take heede to their footing , because they were to goe for the space of halfe a League , through certaine sandie places , in which there were commonly some Thornes growing : At which warning the Elephants bowed downe their heads , and looking attentiuely with their eyes , as men commonly doe when they seeke after somewhat that is lost , they went faire and softly , with great heedfulnesse , whiles they were in that danger , till such time as being told that they were past feare , they lifted vp their heads , and continued their pace as before . In the euening , being come to their Inne , the Nayres bid the Elephants goe to pasture in a Wood , without taking their Litters from their backes : And when I questioned them why they did not discharge them of that burden , they answered me , that the Elephants were to feede on the boughs , and bodies of trees , and therefore that they might cut them downe at their pleasure , with the sharpe Iron we speake of , they were to keepe on their Litters . The next day , being to lodge in a place where there was no Wood , the Nayres brrought each of them a great faggot of greene trees for their Elephants , I tooke great delight to obserue how one of them with his trunke tooke these boughs more nimbly then the rest , pulled them with his teeth , and did eate them after with as good an appetite as wee would eate a figge , or any other fruit . The next day discoursing with the other trauellers , being about some twenty persons , I told them what pleasure I tooke in beholding how handsomely this Elephant did make shift to feede on those boughes . Whereupon the Nayre by commandement of the owner of this Elephant , called him aloud by his name , which was Gnin , who being gone a little aside , presently lifted vp his head , as hearkning what he would say to him : Remember saith the Nayre the father the passenger , that was pleased ▪ yesterday to see thee eate : Take presently a truncheon such as thou hadst then ; and come into his presence , doing as thou diddest : No sooner had the Nayre spoken , but the Elephant holding a Truncheon in his mouth , commeth before me , and finding me out amongst the rest , presenteth it vnto me ; then peeleth and eateth it , and doing me a profound reuerence , retireth himselfe as it were laughing , with signes of gladnesse and reioycing : And I remained astonished , to see in a beast so much aptnesse to vnderstand and to doe what was commanded him . Yet is he obedient to none but to the Nayre or to his Master , and endureth not to see any other get vpon him ; which if any attempt to doe , and he see it , they doubt he would cast downe his Litter , and kill him with his trunke . Therefore when any are to get vp on him , the Nayre couereth his eyes with his eares , which are very huge and vnhansome . When he sheweth himselfe resty in doing what is commanded him , and doth it not so readily as hee ought , the Nayre hauing both his feet vpon his head , beateth and chastiseth him soundly , giuing great blowes with a staffe , in the midst of his forehead . Once we being many in a company on an Elephant that carried vs , and the Nayre beating him in such sort as we haue said , we expected at euery blow he receiued , that hee would haue cast vs downe . They giue him ordinarily sixe or seuen blowes on hisforehead , but with such vehemency , that the Elephant trembleth euery Limbe and Ioynt ; yet endureth it with much patience . There is onely one occasion wherein he will not be ruled by the Nayre nor by any man , which is , when on the suddaine he entreth into Rut : for then being beside himselfe , as if he were mad , he endureth no body ; but taketh his Litter with his trunke , battering and breaking all to pieces . Yet ordinarily the Nayre perceiuing it a little before , by certaine signes , alighteth off him , and likewise the company ; and taking off the Litter from his backe , leaueth him in some close corner alone till his heat be ouerpassed : after which , as if he were ashamed of his disorder , he goeth holding downe his head , submitting himselfe to the blowes and bastinadoes which he seemeth to himselfe to haue well deserued . These beasts in former times haue beene of great vse in the Warres , and such Armies as came into the field with great bands of them , were much feared . But since the Portugals found out the inuention to incounter them with Torches and Fire-brands , they haue rather beene hurtfull then profitable , because being not able to abide those fiery flames before their eyes , they furiously fled away , putting their owne Armies in disaray , killing and ouerthrowing all that stood in their way . The tame Elephant fighteth onely with two sorts of beasts , which are the Wilde Elephant , and the Abade or Rinoceros ; for this latter he is commonly two hard , but by the former he is ordinarily ouercome . The Abade is a beast which hath some resemblance of the Oxe , and somewhat of the Horse ; and is of the bignesse of a little Elephant : He is couered all ouer with Scales , which is to him as an armour ; he hath but one horne in the midst of his forehead , which groweth straight , being formed like a Pyramide : his feete and hoofes like those of an Oxe . Whiles I was at Nouoemon a Towne in the Prouince of Pulucambes , the Gouernour went out once to hunt an Abade , which was in a Wood not farre from our dwelling : He was accompanied with more then a hundred , some on foot , others on horsebacke , with eight or ten Elephants . The Abade commeth out of the Wood , and at the sight of so many enemies , not onely sheweth no signe of feare , but furiously goeth against them all ; thereupon the company diuiding themselues into two wings , the Abade runneth through the midst of them , and came to the rereward where the Gouernour was mounted on an Elephant , which sought to take hold on the Abade with his trunke , but could not , by reason that the other made so many leapes and friskoles , seeking to pierce the Elephant with his horne . The Gouernour knowing well that this beast could not bee wounded , but where he had no Scales , which was onely in his flanke , watched when in his leaping his belly was towards him ; and taking his aduantage , threw a dart at him , with which he pierced him through , which caused great acclamations and shoutings of ioy throughout all his troope ; who there presently in the field made a great bonfire of wood , wherein whiles the Scales of the beast were a burning , they daunced and leaped about it ; and when , as by degrees , the flesh came to be rosted , they cut out euery one his Carbonado , and merrily eate it . Then they opened the Abade to take out his Heart , his Liuer and his Braine , whereof they made a delicate dish , which they presented to the Gouernour , who had retired himselfe somewhat aside to a higher place , where hee sollased himselfe with their iollity . I being present at this piece of seruice , obtained of the Gouernour , the Nayles or Hoofes for my share , which are esteemed to haue the like vertue and property , that the Hoofe of the Elk hath . The Horne also is thought to be as soueraigne against poyson , as the Vnicornes Horne is held to be . CHAP. V. Of the Temperament Manners and Customes of the Cochin-Chinois , Of their manner of Liuing , Clothing , and Medicines . THe Cochin-Chinois are little differing from the Chinois in their Countenance , being all of Oliue colours ; those I meane that are toward the Sea : for the others which are farther into the Land towards Tunchim , are as white as those of Europe . In the lineaments of their faces they are like the Inhabitants of China ; flat nosed as they are , with little eyes . They are of a meane stature ; neither so little as the Iaponois , nor yet so tall as the Chinois ; but in strength and agility of body , they exceed them both : They surpasse the Chinois also in courage and valour : onely the Iaponois surmount them in one thing , which is , their contempt of life in perils and conflicts : for these Iaponois seeme to make no account thereof , and to haue no feare of death at all . The Cochin-Chinois is more gentle and courteous in conuersation , then any other nation of the East : and albeit on the one side they stand much vpon their valour ; yet on the other side , they hold it as infamous to be transported with choller . And whereas all the other Easterne nations hold the Europeans for profane people , and haue them naturally in horror ; in such sort , that when wee land in any of their Countreys , they betake themselues to flight . In Cochin-China on the contrary , they contend who shall conuerse with vs most ; they aske vs many questions , they inuite vs to eate with them , vsing all kind of Courtesie , Ciuility , and Familiarity . So it happened with me and my companions at our first arriuall there ; where it seemed vnto vs , as if we were amongst our ancient acquaintance . By which occasion , there is a fare Gate opened for the Preaching of the Gospel of Iesus Christ amongst them .. Of this gentle and pleasing disposition , and of this facilitie of manners , there commeth that great vnion , and good intelligence , which they haue amongst themselues , conuersing together one with the other , as openly , with as much Candour , as if they were all brethren , bred , and brought vp together in the same House , though they neuer saw each other before . And it would be held a great basenesse amongst them , if any should eate any thing , were it neuer so little , without imparting it to those that are with him , and giuing to euery one his morsell . They are of a liberall inclination , and beneficent to the poore , neuer refusing their alms to those that aske it , and would thinke they had failed much in their duty , if they had denied them , as holding themselues bound in iustice to relieue those that are in want . By means wherof , it happened that some strangers making ship-wrackein one of the ports of Cochin-China , and hauing no knowledge of the tongue , by which they might beg what they needed , holp their necessity sufficiently by learning this one word , Doij , which signifieth , I am hungry : For as soone as they perceiued strangers complayning in such a manner , and crying Doij at their doores , they went out all auie , being touched with compassion , and gaue them somewhat to eat , whereby they got suddenly so much prouision , that the King hauing granted them a Ship , to carry them into their Countrey , there was not one of them willing to take that opportunity , they were become so affected to that Countrey , where they had found such as would liberally furnish them wherewith to sustaine themselues without working ▪ Insomuch that the Captaine of the Ship was driuen to constraine them with a good cudgell , and with the flat of his Sword , to embarke themselues , as they did with good store of Rice which they had gathered , going but from doore to to doore , and crying , I am hungry . But as these Cochin-Chinois doe shew themselues prompt and liberall in giuing , so are they as much or more in requesting whatsoeuer they see to their liking ; for they no sooner can cast their eye on any thing which they thinke rare and curious , but they are desirous thereof , and will say vnto you Sin Mocaij , which signifieth , giue me one of those : and they hold it a great discourtesie to deny them any thing , though it be rare and precious , or no more such to be had ; and account him base that refuseth them , whereby men are driuen either to hide what they haue , or to be ready to bestow it on him that shall aske it . A Portugal Merchant , nothing liking this strange custome ( as indeede there are few that like well of it ) seeing himselfe euery day importuned to giue whatsoeuer good thing hee had , was one day disposed to carrie himselfe in like manner toward them ; and so comming to a poore Fisher-mans boate , and laying hands on a great panier full of Fish , hee saith vnto him in the language of that Countrey , Sin Mocaij , Giue me this ; the good man without further discourse gaue him the panier as it was , to carry away , which the Portugal carried to his House accordingly , wondering at the liberality of the poore man. But hauing consideration of his pouerty , he paid him afterward the value . Their termes of Ciuillity , Courtesie , and Entertainment , are very neere those which are vsed in China , the inferiours vsing great respect toward their superiours , as also those of the same rancke , practising one towards another all those petty punctualities , and complements , which are peculiar to the Chinois : Especially the great reuerence they beare to the aged ; alwayes preferring the ancientest , of what degree or condition soeuer they are ; and giuing to the aged all kind of preeminence aboue the younger . And so some of these Lords comming often to visite vs in our House , though they had beene sufficiently aduertised by the Interpreter , that a certaine Father being more aged then the rest was not our superiour , they could not possibly forbeare to salute him that was old before the superiour , being much younger . In all the Houses of Cochin-China , be they neuer so poore , three sorts of sitting are vsed . The first , and least of all is ▪ on a Matt stretched out on the ground ; whereon all doe sit , that are of the like quality and degree . The second is on certaine Coards or Girts , stretched out and couered with a finer kind of Matts then the former , where those of the better rancke place themselues . The third is on a Tent which is raised from the ground , about some two foote and a halfe , made in manner of a Bed , which is reserued onely for the Gouernours , or Lords of the place , or for such as are dedicated to the Seruice of God : On which they alwayes make our Fathers to sit . Of this gentle and agreeable humour of the Cochin-Chinois commeth ; the account they make of Strangers , giuing them liberty to liue according to their owne law , and to apparrell themselues as they thinke good , commending their course of liuing , admiring their Learning , and frankly preferring it before their owne ; contrary to the Chinois , which make no reckoning , but of their owne Countrey , their owne fashions , and their owne Doctrine . Concerning their Apparrell and Clothing , wee haue already said , that Silke is so common in Cochin-China , that all are clad therewith . It onely remaineth to speake of the Fashions which they vse : And to begin with the Women , I must confesse , that their habit hath allwayes seemed vnto me , to be the most Modest of all India , for they cannot endure any part of their bodies to be vncouered ; no not in the greatest heates . They weare fiue or six Taffeties , one vpon another , all of seuerall colours . The first reacheth downe to the ground , which they make trayne along , with such Grauity , Decency , and Maiestie , that one cannot discerne so much as the end of their feet ; the next is foure or fiue fingers breadth shorter ; the third commeth short of the second ; and so are the rest , the one shorter then the other ; in such sort , that all the colours are discerned . This is their Habit ftom the Girdle downewards . Their bodies they couer with certaine curious Stuffes , which are wrought Eschecquer-wise of sundry colours , casting ouer it so fine and thin a vaile , that all this diuersity , and varietie may easily be perceiued through it , like a pleasant and gratious Spring-time , accompanied with great Grauity , and Modestie . They weare their haire loosely , hanging on their shoulders , which they suffer to grow so long , that it reacheth to the ground , and the longer it is , the fairer it is accounted . They weare a great Hat on their Heads , with such broad brims that they couer all their Faces , and suffer them not to see more then three or foure paces before them ; and these Hats are wouen or interlaced with Silke , and Gold , according to the quality of the persons : The Women are not bound to any further courtesie in the Saluting of any whom they meete , then to lift vp their Hats so farre that their Faces may be seene . The men in stead of Breeches wrap themselues with a whole piece of Stuffe , clothing themselues ouer it in the like manner , with fiue or sixe garments which are long and large , all of fine Silke , of sundry colours , with great large Sleeues , not vnlike those that the Benedictines vse to weare . These garments of theirs , from the girdle downewards , are all becut and slashed with curious deuises ; in such sort that as they goe through the Towne , they make such a shew of all these colours mingled together , that if neuer so little a wind should happen to blow vpon their garments , one might say they were so many Peacocks going about shewing the variety of their plumes . They let their Haire grow as the women doe theirs , euen downe to their heeles , and weare their Hatts in like manner . They which haue any Beard , of which their are but few , doe neuervse to cut it , conforming themselues therein with the Chinois ; as also in letting the Nailes of their fingers grow , which the Gentry doe not vse to haue cut , keeping them as tokens of Nobility , to distinguish them from the Common people and the Artificers ; who may not weare them long , lest they should bee hindered by them in their worke : whereas the Gentlemen haue such long ones , that they cannot gripe any thing in their hands . They cannot relish our fashion of cutting our Haire and our Nailes , because they suppose them to haue beene giuen by Nature for an ornament . When wee were once in discourse about the Haire , they made an obiection ▪ to which it was not very easie to make answere on the suddaine : If , said they , the Sauiour of the world , ( to whom ye professe that ye seeke to conforme your selues in all your actions ) did weare his Haire long after the manner of the Nazarites , as ye assure your selues , and as appeareth in the Pictures of him which ye haue shewen vs , why doe yee not the like ? adding thereunto , for more force of argument , that the Sauiour of the world , wearing his Haire at the full length , gaue vs to vnderstand it was the best fashion : Yet notwithstanding they contented themselues , when we told them that our imitation did not consist in the exteriour man or in the outward habit . The Learned sort and the Doctors , apparell themselues somewhat more grauely , without so many colours and cuttings ; couering the rest of their garments with a Gowne of blacke Damaske : they weare also a kind of Stole , hanging about their Necke , and a Maniple of blue Silke on their Arme , couering their heads commonly with a Cap , not vnlike to a Bishops Mitre . The men as well as the women , haue euer a Fanne in their hands very like ours here in Europe ; which they carry more for countenance then otherwise . But whereas we in Europe vse to be clad in blackes , during our mourning , they vse the white on like occasion : when they salute any , they neuer vncouer their head , holding that for a discourtesie and full of irreuerence , vnbefitting ; wherein they agree in opinion with those of China . The Cochin-Chinois vse neither Hose nor Shooes , but onely take at the most , to keepe the soles of their feet from what might offend them , a sole of Leather , made fast and tied vpon the foot with some buttons and ribbands of Silke , after the manner of Sandales : not accounting it any way vndecent to goe without Stockens or Hose and Shooes . And albeit , going after such a manner shod or vnshod , they often times find their feet very dirty , they reckon little of it , hauing for the purpose in euery house , at the entry of the Hall , a Bason of faire water in which they wash their feet ; and such of them as vse to weare Sandals , leaue them there to put on againe when they goe forth , hauing no need to vse them within doores , where the ground being couered with Matts , they feare no fouling of them . The ordinary food of the Cochin-Chinois is Rice , and it seemeth a strange thing , that this Countrey being so plentifull in all kinds of Flesh , Fowle , Fish and Fruits , that neuerthelesse , they feed still on Rice ; wherewith they commonly fill themselues at the beginning of their repast , and then by way of ceremony , doe but assay and taste of all the other Viands . So that Rice is to them the principall and chiefe , as bread is with vs , which they eate alone without sauce or mixture , either of Butter , Oyle or Suggar , but only seething of it in water ; whereof they vse no more then will serue to keepe it from sticking to the Pot , and so from being burnt ; by reason whereof the graines remaine stil entire , being only a little mollified , and moystned . They find moreouer by experience , that the not vsing to season the Rice maketh it digest the more easily ; whence it is , that throughout all the East they accustome themselues to eate foure times a day at the least , and that plentifully , to supply the necessity of Nature . The Cochin-Chinois eate sitting crosse-legd on the ground , hauing a round Table before them , brest-high , curiously wrought , and the edge or border about it gilded with Siluer or Gold , according to the quality of the persons . This Table is not very great , the custome being , that euery one haue a seuerall Table ; and that as many guests as are inuited or expected , so many Tables be prepared for them ▪ which is also obserued when they eate in priuate , vnlesse haply the Husband and Wife , or the Father and the Sonne bee contented with one Table . They haue neither kniues nor forkes at the Table , not needing any . They haue no need of kniues , because their morsells are before cut out in the Kitchin ; and in lieu of forkes they haue little stickes finely polished which they put betwixt their fingers in such sort , that with their dexterity they can take vp any thing therewith . They haue as little need of table Napkins , seeing they neuer foule their hands , but alwayes take vp their meat with those stickes . They inuite one another often to Feasts and Banquets , in which they serue many other sorts of Cates besides those I haue mentioned : Yet therein they serue no Rice , because they suppose that euery one hath enough at home . And how poore soeuer he be that giueth entertainement , they thinke hee hath not done fairely , if euery of the guests haue not his Table serued with an hundred dishes at least . Also , because they vse to inuite all their Friends , Kinsefolke and Neighbours to these feasts , there is seldome any such meeting , at which there are not thirty , forty , or fifty , and sometimes an hundred , or two hundred persons . I was once my selfe at one of these Sollemne-Feasts , in which the Guests were no lesse then two thousand . Therfore such Feasts are made in the open fields , that there may be roome enough to place so many Tables : Neither ought it to be found strange , that these Tables being not great , there should bee an hundred Dishes serued thereon at once ; because at such times by a maruellous prety deuice , they place a little castle on the Table , hauing sundry Stages made of Suger-canes , on which they bestow in very good order , all these Dishes , in which also there is contained whatsoeuer the Countrey yeeldeth , as well of Flesh , Fish , Foule , Fourefooted-beasts , both wild and tame , as also all sorts of fruits which the season afordeth : For if there be any one wanting , it is very disgracefull to the entertainment ; and they will scarse vouchsafe it the name of a Feast . The Masters are first serued , by their principall attendants , who eate in their Masters places when they are risen ; being serued by inferiour seruants , which succeed them in their turne . And because they cannot deuoure all that is prepared , and the custome is to make a cleane riddance of all , as soone as these are satisfied , there commeth yet a baser sort of followers , who when they haue also eaten their fill , vse to put vp the remnant in bagges which they beare for that purpose , and carry it home to feast the Lackies and Scullions of the Kitchin , who make good cheere with it ; and then the Ceremony endeth . They haue no Grapes in Cochin-China , therefore in stead of wine they vse a kind of drinke made of Rice distilled in a Limbicke , which hath the taste of Aqua-vitae , and resembleth it in colour , being also of like Acrimony , Subtillity and Viuacity . They haue such abundance thereof , that euery one drinketh commonly as much as he list ; and are no lesse drunken therewith , then others are with wine in these parts . Yet those of the better sort , vse to allay it with another drinke made of Calamba distilled , which giueth it a pleasant sauour and acceptable odour , being an excellent composition . They vse also to drinke a dayes , of a certaine warme water , in which the root of an hearbe which they call Chia hath sod , of which this drinke taketh the name , being very cordiall , and not a little helpfull to disperse the noysome humours of the stomach , and to facilitate the digestion . The like is vsed in Iapan and China also ; sauing that in China , in lieu of the root , they seeth onely the leaues of the tree , and in Iapan they take them in powder , but the effects are the same ; and they all call it Chia . Concerning their Phisicians , and manner of curing their diseases , I can say there are many , as well Portugals as natiues of the Countrey ; and it is often seene , that many vnknowne maladies , for which the Phisicians of Europe know no remedies , haue beene discouered and cured easily by those of that Countrey . And it hapneth sometimes , that the Portugal Phisicians giue ouer a diseased person , supposing him in a desperate estate , who is afterward easily cured by a Phisician of that Countrey , if they send for him . The Methode vsed by them is this , that assoone as they enter into the sicke persons chamber , they sit downe a whiles neere vnto his bed , to settle the stirring of their spirit , which they haue contracted in their comming ; then they feele the parties pulse with much attention and circumspection , saying afterward vnto him , you haue such a Sicknesse ; and if it be vncurable they say vnto him sincerely , I haue no Medicine for this Maladie : which is a shrewd signe that the sicke person will not escape . But if they iudge the Maladie to be such as may be healed by their Remedies , they will say , I haue that which will heale you , and by such a time I will set you on your feet . Then they agree vpon the Salary that the Phisician shall haue , in case he cure the disease ; which they measure and proportion according to the quality of the disease , and so make the contract . The Phisician afterward composeth his Medicine himselfe , without any Apothecary , for they haue none there for feare of disclosing the secret of their Medicines , which they conceale as much as they also can ; partly because they dare not trust any other with the Ingredients they prescribe . If the sicke person recouer his health by the time prefixed , he is to giue the price agreed on : If he faile of his cure , the Phisitian looseth both his labour , and his charge . The Medicines which they vse to giue , are not like vnto ours , which are distastfull , mollifiing and loosening the belly ; but are as pleasing as their Pottage , and nourishing withall , so that they neede no other aliment : Whence it commeth that they giue of it oftentimes a day , as we would giue broth to the diseased from time to time . And their Medicines doe not alter Nature , but assist it in her ordinary functions , drying vp the peccant humours , without any trouble to the sicke person at all . Heere is offered me a thing worth the relation : A Portugal falling sicke there , called vnto him the Phisicians of Europe , who after they had visited him a while , gaue him ouer for a dead man , and came no more at him . A Phisician of that Countrey being sent for , vndertaketh to cure him within a certaine time , charging him straitely , that whiles he had him in cure , he should not meddle with Women : Otherwise there was no hope . The sicke man taketh the Medicines appointed , and within few dayes he finddeth himselfe so well recouered , that hee tooke no great care of performing what the Phisician had enioyned . Thereupon the Phisician comming to visite his Patient , and perceiuing his Incontinencie by the change of his pulse , aduiseth him to dispose himselfe to death , because hee was past all hope , for he knew no remedie now to saue his life : And that neuerthelesse hee was to pay him the Money agreed on between them ; because if he died , it was his owne fault . Sentence was giuen for the Phisitian , the Patient Died. They haue also the vse of Blood-letting by Phlebotomie ; yet are they more sparing thereof , then with vs in Europe ; neither doe they vse Lancets , but haue many Goose-quills , into which they fasten diuers little pieces of Porcelane that are very sharpe , fashioned and placed like the teeth of a Saw , some greater , and some lesse . And when they are to open a Veine , they apply one of these quills thereunto , and giuing a little stroake thereon with their finger , they open the Veine with the Porcelane , which entereth no further then is requisite . But that which is yet more strange , is , that when they haue drawen Blood sufficiently , they vse no band , nor Ligature about it : but onely wetting their thumbe with a little spittle , they presse it on the wound , and make the skin returne to his place , the Blood suddenly stanching , and the ouerture closing together : Which I attribute to their opening of it with the Porcelane , which maketh the Veine to close vp , and to heale so easily . They are not without Chirurgions , that haue wonderfull secrets ; I bring no other proofe , but what they haue practised on my selfe , and one of our Brethren my Companion . Hauing fallen from a very high place , I fell on my stomach , against the edge of Stone , in such sort , that I began to spit blood , and my Brest was sorely bruised and hurt , some of our Europian remedies were vsed , but I found no helpe nor ease , vntill a Chirurgion of that Countrey , taking a quantity of a certaine Hearbe , like vnto the Hearbe Mercurie , and making a Plaister thereof , applyed it to my Stomach ; then boyled some of the same hearbe with water , for me to drinke , and made me eate of the same raw , as it was : And in few dayes , I was perfectly healed . To make tryall thereof againe , I caused the legge of a Hen to be broken in many places , and a Plaister of this Hearbe to bee applyed thereunto , and within few dayes , the Hens leg was made whole and entire againe . A Scorpion had bit one of our Brethren on the Necke , ( who was my Companion ) such biting being held to bee deadly in this Kingdome , for his throat began to swell in such sort , that wee were about to haue administred vnto him the extreame Vnction , but a Chirurgion causing presently a pot of Rice to bee boiled with faire water , and setting the same at his feete , hee compassed him about with clothes , that the hot vapour and fume thereof might not be dispersed : whereof it followed , that assoone as the fume had gotten vp to the wounded place , hee found his griefe asswaged , the swelling of his throat vanished , and himselfe in as good plight as before . Many more such like might be added ; but I will onely affirme , that their Medicines are of much more force in those parts , then they are with vs. And I can say this in particular , that I brought with me therehence a little barrell of Rubarb , being esteemed to be of the best ; but when I came into Europe , after two yeeres voyage , I found my Rubarb so altered , that I could not know it for the same . So much doe the Simples lose of their vertue , by being transported out of those Count 〈…〉 s into ours . CHAP. VI. Of the Ciuill and Politicke Gouernement of Cochin-China . THeir Gouernement in Generall , hath some affinity with that which is vsed in Iapan and in China . But as the Iaponians account of Armes , much more then of Sciences , and the Chinois on the contrary esteemeth highly of the Siences , and maketh no great reckoning of Armes : The Cochin-Chinois not following the course of either of these nations , doe not reiect or abandon the one , as if they were wholly addicted to the other ; but are indifferently affected to either , according to their occasions . And accordingly doe recompence and preferre , sometimes the Doctors , and sometimes the Souldiers , to the offices and dignities of their Kingdome . Cochin-China hath many Vniuersities , in which there bee Readers and Schooles and Degrees ; to which their Schollers are aduanced by examination , as they are in China ; teaching the same Sciences , vsing the same Bookes and Authors ; namely , Zinfa or Confus , as the Portugals call him ; being an Author of as sublime and profound Learning and Authority with them , as Aristotle amongst vs , and indeed more ancient . These bookes are full of Erudition , of rare Histories , of graue Sentences , of Prouerbes and such like , all concerning good manners ; such as Seneca , Cato , or Cicero here with vs. Many yeeres labour is spent in learning the propriety of the Phrase , Characters and Hieroglyphikes in which they are written . But that part which they account most of , and haue in greatest estimation , is Morall Philosophy ; comprehending the Ethik , Oeconomik and Politick . And it is a goodly sight to see and vnderstand them in their Halls , when they reade and pronounce their Lectures aloud as if they sang : which they doe , to accustome themselues , and to get a habite , to giue to euery word his proper accent ; of which they haue a great number that signifie many seuerall different things : whereby may be gathered , that to conuerse with them , it is requisite to know the principles of Musicke and the Counter-point . The Language which they vse in common speech , is much differing from that in which they teach and reade in their Studies , and in which their Bookes are written . Euen as amongst vs our vulgar Languages , common to all , differ much from the Latine which is vsed in the Schooles . Wherein also there is a difference betweene them and the Chinois , who if they be Learned or Noble , neuer speake but in one kind of Language , which they call that of the Mandarins , who are their Doctors , Iudges and Gouernours . And the Characters which they vse in their writing and in their printed books , are aboue fourescore thousand , diffring one from the other . Whence it commeth to passe , that the Fathers of the society of Iesus , are eight or ten yeeres studying of these bookes , before they become able to treat , or capable to conuerse with them . But the Cochin-Chinois haue reduced this great multitude of Characters , to the number of three thousand at the most , which they vse in their ordinary Discourse , in their Letters , in their Supplications , Memorialls and other such things as haue not respect to their printed bookes : which must of necessity be composed in the Characters of China . The Iaponians haue yet beene more ingenious , who albeit they endeauour in whatsoeuer concerning their written and printed bookes , to conforme themselues to the Chinois ; haue notwithstanding handled the matter so well , that for dispatch of their ordinary affaires , they haue inuented eight and fourty Letters , by the combination of which , they expresse and declare what they will , euen as well as wee doe with our A. B. C. Yet are the Characters of China , still in such request , and so great estimation in Iapan , that those forty and eight Letters , howsoeuer they be more commodious to expresse their Conceits , are little regarded in comparison , but by way of contempt , are accounted and called the Womens Letters . That most Ingenious and Exellent Inuention of Printing , was practised in China , and Cochin-China , before wee had the knowledge thereof in Europe ; yet not in such perfection : In regard that they doe not ioyne Letters with Letters , or Characters with Characters ; but with a Punchion , or Grauing-iron , they graue , and cut their Formes on a board , or plancke , euen as they intend to Print them in their Bookes : Then they apply their Paper vpon the board that is so graued and cut , putting it vnder the Presse , in like manner as wee doe in Europe , when we Print on a copper Plate , or other such thing . Besides those Bookes which treate of Morall Philosophie , they haue also of Sacred matters , as they call them , concerning the Creation , and beginning of the World , of reasonable Soules , of the Demons , of Idols , and of their different Sects ; these Bookes they call Sayc Kim , to distinguish them from the profane , which they terme Sayc Chiu . Now albeit the Language of the Cochin-Chinois be therin like to that of the Chinois , that they vse only words of one Syllable , pronounced with diuersity of tones and accents ; yet they differ much in this , that the Cochin-Chinois are more fruitfull and abounding in Vowells , and therefore more sweet and pleasing : richer in accents and in tones , and so more melodious and harmonious : in such sort that they haue their eare made for Musicke , proper and apt to distinguish the variety of tones and accents . The language of Cochin-China is to my seeming the most easie of all ; because it hath neither coniugations Verbes , nor Declining of Nounes : but with one only word , adding therunto an aduerbe or a pronoune , maketh knowne the time passed , the time present , and to come ; the singular number and the plurall , and supplieth all the Moodes , Tenses and persons , as also the diuersity of Numbers and of Cases . As for example , this word Haue ( which in the Cochin-Chinois tongue is expressed by Co ) without other variation but adding a Pronoune , will serue all occasions : and so that whereas we should say by Coniugation , I haue , thou hast , he hath ; they contenting themselues with the Pronoune , without varying the Verbe , would say , I haue , you haue , he haue : In like manner to supply the diuersity of the Tenses , they will say in the Present , I now haue ; for the passed , I heretofore haue ; and for the future , I hereafter , or in time to come haue ; and so from one to the other , without euer changing their Co ; whence it easily appeareth , how easie this tongue is to be learned , as indeede , in six Moneths whiles I was there ; I learned as much as was sufficient to treate with them , and to vnderstand their Confessions ; though I had not the perfect knowledge thereof ; for to say the truth , foure whole yeeres were no more then requisite to make one exact , and excellent therein . But to returne to the course of my History : I said the custome of the Cochin-Chinois was not onely to regard men of Learning , recompencing their great knowledge , by aduancing them to high and honourable degrees of dignity , and assigning to them good rents and reuennues ; but that they had also in great estimation , those that were Couragious , Valorous and excellent in Armes . Yet doe they gouerne themselues therein , after another manner then is accustomed amongst vs. For in stead of giuing to their great and generous Captaines , as they doe in these parts , some Lordship , Earledome or Marquisate , in acknowledgment of their deserts ; they reward them by subiecting so many persons vnto them , as a certaine number of the Kings subiects and vassalls , who in what part of the Kingdome soeuer they be , are bound to acknowledge him for their Lord , to whom the King hath giuen them , to serue him with their Armes when he shall be occasioned to vse them ; as also to pay him all such duties as they payed before to the King : And so as we say such a one is Lord of such a place , Earledome or Marquisate ; they say , such a one hath the command of fiue hundred men , this other of a thousand ; the King hath increased this mans command to a thousand more , and of the other to two thousand : so augmenting their greatnesse , their dignities , riches and commodities , by giuing of them more vassalls . Of their Warres , wee shall speake in the next Chapter . There remaineth yet somewhat to be said concerning their Ciuill Gouernement . First they dispatch all their affaires more readily , rather according to the Martiall Law More belli , then by pleadings at the Barre with Iudges , Notaries and Procttors with their dilatory proceedings . The Vice-Royes and Gouernours of Prouinces , supplying all those offices , and giuing publike audience foure houres euery day in a faire large Court within their Pallace ; two houres in the forenoone , and two houres in the afternoone . Thither goe all that haue controuersie , to represent their pretensions and their plaints ; and the Vice-Roy or Gouernour leaning on a window , vnderstandeth the grieuances of each one after the other . And because the Gouernours are ordinarily men of good iudgement and experience in affaires , questioning the parties to good purpose , and obseruing also the apprehension of the assistants , which they coniecture by their countenance , and the approbation which they haue of the demandant or defendant , they discouer easily the trueth of the businesse forthwith , and pronounce their sentence aloud without delay , which is presently executed , without appeale or any other formality ; whether it bee death or banishment , or whipping , or pecuniary amends ; chastising euery offence as the Law requireth . The crimes whereof they are most commonly accused , which are seuerely chastised among them , are many : But aboue all , they punish rigorously the false accusers , Theeues , and Adulterers . When the first are conuicted to haue charged any falsly with a crime , whereof he was not guilty , hee is condemned , without mercy , to endure the same punishment which the other should haue suffered , if he had committed that whereof he was accused . And indeed experience hath made it appeare , to be the best course of sifting out the trueth . Their theeues are punished according to the proportion of the theft : If they haue stollen any thing of great value , they cut of their heads : If of lesse consequence , as a Hen , they lose only a finger ; and for the second offence they cut off another : If they be taken with a third , they must loose an eare ; and for the fourth offence they cut off the necke . The adulterers , be they men or women , are exposed to the Elephants , who kill them in the manner ensuing . The offender is conducted out of the Towne into a Plaine , where in the presence of an infinite number of people , he is brought into the midst of the place , with his hands and feet tied neere vnto the Elephant , vnto whom the sentence of the party that is to be put to death is read , that he may execute it from point to point . The order being this : That first he shall seize on him , take him and straine him with his trunke , and hold him so suspended in the aire , shewing him to all the world ; then that he cast him vp with violence , and receiue him againe on the point of his teeth , that by the heauy fall of his weight he may gage himselfe thereon , and that then he dash him against the ground , and that in the end hee tread him vnder his feet . All which the Elephant doth , without failing in any one point , to the great astonishment and terrour of all that are present , who by the punishment which they see inflicted on another , doe learne , that fidelity is to be kept betweene those that are married . It will not be amisse , being now discoursing of married folkes , to relate some particularities concerning the marriages of that Countrey . It hath not beene seene that the Cochin-Chinois , though they be Gentiles , haue contracted marriages within the degrees forbidden by Gods Law , or the Law of Nature ; neither within the first degree of the collaterall Line of Brothers and sisters . But in the other degrees marriage is permitted , so that he haue but one wife . It is true , that the richer sort vnder the title of their greatnesse and liberality , are accustomed to haue many Concubines ; taxing them with auarice and miserablenesse , that doe not keepe as many as their reuenues will maintaine . These are called their second , third and fourth wiues , which they tooke after the first which is accounted , and is truly and really their wife , and to her it appertaineth to choose the rest according to her liking , and to giue them to her husband . Yet their marriages are not indissoluble , their Lawes permitting a diuorce , though not altogether at the will of either party : for they must first prooue the suggestion for which they would leaue one the other ; which being auerred it is lawfull for them to withdraw themselues from the first , and to marry againe . The husbands bring the Dowries , and relinquish their owne houses to dwell with their wiues , by whose meanes they are maintained , and by whom all the houshold affaires are managed : for there they beare the charge and gouernement of the Family , whiles the husband keepeth himselfe within doores , not putting himselfe to any paine , contenting himselfe to be prouided of what is needfull for his food and raiment . CHAP. VII . Of the Forces of the King of Cochin-China , and of the Warres he hath within his Kingdome . IT hath beene touched already , in the beginning of this History , how that Cochin-China being a Prouince , dismembered from the great Kingdome of Tunchim , was vsurped vniustly by the Grandfather of the King that now reigneth , who hauing the Gouernment , rebelled against the King of Tunchim : Whereunto he was not a little emboldened , when hee saw himselfe suddenly furnished with diuers Pieces of Artillery , recouered and gotten out of the Ship-wracke of sundry Ships of the Portugals , and Hollanders against the Rockes , which men afterwards gathered vp by those of the Countrey . Whereof there are to be seene at this day , threescore of the greatest in the Kings pallace alone yet remaining . The Cochin-Chinois being now become so expert in the managing of them , that they surpasse our Europeans : For indeed they did little else euery day , but exercise themselues in Shooting at a Marke : Whereupon they became so fierce , and so glorious , and to haue so great an opinion of their owne valour , that as soone as they perceiued any of our Ships of Europe to come towards their Ports , the Kings Cannoniers presently presented them with defiance : But ours vnderstanding now that they were not comparable vnto them , auoyded the Tryall as much as they could , knowing well by experience , they were growne more certaine to hit where they would with their Artillary , then others are with the Harquebusse ; which also they are ready and well practised in , going out daily by troopes into the Field , to exercise it . Moreouer , that which further encouraged him much to that resolution of reuoulting , and banding himselfe against his Prince , was the sight of a hundred Gallies , and more of his owne ; by which meanes , being become to be powerfull at Sea , as well as he was by his Artillary at Land , it was easie for him to accomplish his designe against the King of Tunchim his Lord. Seeing also that his continuall commerce with Iapan had brought into his Countrey , great store of Swords and Cemiters of that Countrey , which are of an excellent temper . Hee was also prouided with a great number of Horses , which though they be but little , are very seruiceable and generous , on which they fight with darts , and exercise themselues daily therein . The power of this King is such , that hee is able to bring threescore thousand men into the field . Which notwithstanding , hee is not without feare of the King of Tunchim , whose forces are foure times more : Therefore to keepe him in good termes , and to maintaine good Intelligence with him , he payeth him a Tribute of all his Kingdome doth yeeld , that may be acceptable to him ; particularly of Gold , and Siluer , of Rice , and further furnishing him with Boardes , and other wood , wherewith to build his Galleries . Now the only occasion that made him resolue to make League with the Son of the late King , who at this day hath the Gonernment of the last Prouince of Tunchim , bordering vpon China , was that hee remaining Vanquisher , and making himselfe Master of all Tunchim , Cochin-China might be discharged of the Tribute . To vnderstand the same the better , it must bee knowne , that whiles I was in Cochin-China , it was not the Son of the late King of Tunchim , that tooke possession of the Kingdome , but his Vnckle , out of whose hands the Young Prince escaped to saue his life , into the last Prouince of that Kingdome , confining vpon China ; where being acknowledged to bee the Sonne of the King disceased , the people chose him to be their Prince ; and by his good Gouernement , he wan their hearts , in such sort that the King of Tunchim his Vncle entred into great apprehension , lest he should ioyne in League with the King of Cochin-China , who possessed the other end of his Countrey , and inclosing him betweene them , dispossesse him of the Kingdome vsurped : For preuenting whereof , hee sent yeere by yeere a great and puissant Army against this Prince , to defeate him : But all in vaine , for the Army being of necessity to passe fiue or sixe dayes Iourney through wayes where there was no other water to drinke , but of certaine Riuers which descended out of the enemies Countrey ; they found those waters poysoned by the Prince his people ; with a certaine Hearbe ; in such sort , that as well men as Horses that dranke thereof dyed : Whereby the Armie was enforced to retire after much expence , and great paines taken to little purpose . Their Millitary discipline , and manner of gouerning themselues in the Warres , is much like that of Europe . They obserue the same order in making their S●uadrons , in going to Skirmishes , in Assaults , and in Retreatings . And this King hath Warre ordinarily in two places of his Kingdome . For first it standeth him vpon , to stand alwayes on his guard ; on that side next to the King of Tunchim , who doth menace him vncessantly , and alwayes maketh some onsets on his Confines . Therefore the King of Cochin-China keepeth his residence in Sinuua , being the furthest and last prouince of his Kingdome , that he may be euer in readinesse , with his Forces on the frontiers of Tunchim , which is the entry to a very puissant Prouince , that is ordinarily prouided of Gouernours of great experience and knowledge in the Warres . Secondly he is kept in continuall Alarmes on the West-side in the last Prouince of his Kingdome called Renram , by the king of Chiampa , whose assaults he doth easily repell , in regard he is not so mighty as himselfe , and needeth no other forces thereunto but those of the same Prouince , the Gouernour whereof with his Souldiers , is sufficient to defend it . Moreouer , he is continually leuying and raising of armies to succour the King of Cambogia , who hath married a naturall daughter of his ; furnishing him with Gallies and with men against the King of Siam . In such sort , that on all sides , as well by sea as by land , he maketh the glorious name and reputation of the Armes of the Cochin-Chinois to be renowned . On the Sea he maketh warre with his Gallies , each of which hath sixe pieces of Cannon , and is also well furnished with Musket-shot . And it will not be found strange , that the King of Cochin-China hath alwayes more then an hundred Gallies well furnished in good readinesse , if one know in what manner he prouideth for it : For the Cochin-Chinois vse not to make Galli-slaues of their delinquents or others ; but when they are to put themselues to fight at Sea , they furnish their Gallies with as many men as are requisite in this manner . They send out secretly and suddenly many Seriants and Commissioners , who going throughout all the Kingdome ere men are aware with the Kings authority , doe seise and presse all such as they find fit to handle an Oare , and bestow them in the Gallies , vnlesse by reason of their birth and extraction , or for some other consideration , they be exempted and priuilidged . And that course must not be thought so hard and difficult , as at first it may seeme , because , they are as well intreated in the Gallies as any where else : And yet better payd : and besides , their Wiues , their Children , and all their Familie , is maintained at the Kings charge , with whatsoeuer is needfull , according to their rancke and condition , during all the time that their Husbands are thus absent . And they serue not onely to tug at the Oare , but also to fight vpon occasion : To which purpose they haue euery one his Harquebusse and Musket giuen him , with Darts , Coutelasse , and Cemeters : and as the Cochin-Chinois are hardie and valiant in their approaches , with their Oares , and with their Muskets and Iauelins , they are no lesse in the encounter and close medly ; where they make rare proofes of their valour . Their Gallies are not so great nor so large as ours , but they are so brauely bedecked with Gold and Siluer , that they are a glorious spectacle to behold . The Fore-castle , namely which they account the most honourable place , is all of Gold. This is the Captaines place , and the chiefe of his company : The reason they giue for it is , that the Captaine being to be the formost vpon all occasions , ought therefore to be in the most hazardous place of all the Gallie . Amongst other defensiue Armes , they vse little Bucklers or Targets , of an Ouall forme , of such a length , that they will commonly couer the whole Man , being so light also , that they are nothing cumbersome . In their Townes in this Kingdome , their Houses being built but of boards , as I haue said , and supported with Pillars of Wood , they haue this aduantage ▪ that if the Enemie come with such Forces , as they find themselues vnable to resist , euery one taketh his houshold-stuffe and flieth to the Mountaines , setting their Houses on fire , and leauing nothing of value therein . In such sort that the Enemy finding no place wherein hee may sortifie and maintaine himselfe , is forced to retire out of the Countrey , and they returning againe , doe soone build themselues other Houses as good , and restore their Townes in as good plight as they were before . CHAP. VIII . Of the Commerce , Ports and Hauens of Cochin-China . THe Realme of Cochin-China being so abundant in all sorts of Commodities , as we haue said , for the life of man ; the people are the lesse addicted to trauell abroad , and to traffique elsewhere : They doe neuer therefore make further Voyages by Sea , then within the view of the Coasts and bankes of their welbeloued Countrey . Yet are they neuerthelesse willing to giue all Strangers free accesse into their Ports , and take a singular pleasure to see others come to Trade and traffique in their Countrey , not onely out of their Neighbour Prouinces and Kingdomes , but also from remote Countreyes . To which end they neede not vse much Art , seeing that Strangers are allured thither fast enough by the fruitfulnesse of the Countrey , and the riches ouerflowing therein . And therefore not onely those of Tunchim , of Cambogia , of Cinceos , and others their Neighbours doe traffique there , but euery day there arriue Merchants of Countreyes further distant ; and from China , Macao , Iapan , Manilla , and Malacca , which bring Siluer into Cochin-China , for the merchandize of the Countrey : Which are not bought , but exchanged with the same Siluer which is sold there as Merchandize , the price thereof being raised or diminished according to the great or little plenty thereof , euen like Silke and other Wares . The Money with which all things are bought , is of Letton , of the like Value as a French Double , or a Stiuer of the Netherlands . This Money is exactly round , Printed and marked with the Kings Armes , euery Peece hauing a hole in the midst , through which they are filed by thousands , euery file or string of them worth about two crownes . The Chinois and the Iaponois are they that make the chiefe negotiation of Cochin-China , in a Faire which is yeerely held in one of their Ports , for some foure moneths together : the one bring on their Ionks , the value of foure or fiue millions in siluer ; and the other vpon certaine vessells which they call Somes , an infinite quantity of fine silke , with other of their countrey merchandise . The King receiueth a great reuenue out of this Faire , by his duties and imposts , and the Countrey an vnspeakeable gaine . And as on the one side the Cochin-Chinois haue no wrought Stuffes nor Manufactures , because they doe not apply themselues to Manuary trades , by reason of that idlenesse into which their plenty hath plunged them : and that on the other side they are easily inueigled with the curiosities comming from other places , which they higly esteeme ; they will buy them at what price soeuer they be set , and doe not spare for money , to haue such things which of themselues are of little worth ; such as Combes , Needles , Bracelets , Beades of glasse to hang in their eares , and such other trifles and womanish curiosities . And I remember that a Portugal hauing brought from Macao into Cochin-China a boxe full of Needles , which could not cost him aboue thirty Ducats , got aboue a thousand ; selling them for a Riall a piece in Cochin-China , which had not cost him aboue pence a piece in Macao . In conclusion , they vie one with the other in buying whatsoeuer they see , so it be new and brought from farre : for which they disburse their siluer without difficulty . They are very desirous of our Hatts , our Caps , Girdles , Shirts and all our other garments , because they differ from theirs . But aboue all , they make most esteeme of Corall . Concerning their Ports ; It is certainely a thing worthy admiration , that within the space of little more then an hundred leagues , there are reckoned aboue threescore places fit and apt to land in : which commeth of this , that there are in that Coast many great Armes of the Sea. The goodliest Port where all the strangers ariue , and where that famous Faire is kept which we haue mentioned , is that of the Prouince Cacciam . Men doe enter thereinto by two mouthes of the Sea ; the one is called Puluciambello , and the other Turon . These mouthes are distant three or foure leagues asunder , by which , after that the Sea thus diuided in two Armes , hath extended it selfe seuen or eight Leagues within the Land , as two Riuers that are disioyned ; It reioyneth in the end , and casteth it selfe into a great Riuer , where the Vessels also meete , that come in on either side . The King of Cochin-China permitted the Iaponians and Chinois to make choyce of a commodious place to build them a Citie in , for the more Commoditie of the Faire , whereof wee haue spoken . This Citie is called Faiso , which is so great , that one may well say , that there are two Townes ; the one of the Chinois , and the other of the Iaponois : Each of them hauing his Quarter apart , and their seuerall Gouernours , and liuing after their owne manner : That is the Chinois according to their owne particular Lawes , and Customes of China , and the Iaponians according to theirs . And because as wee haue said the King of Cochin-China doth refuse no Nation to enter , but leaueth it free for all sorts of Strangers , the Hollanders came thither also as well as the rest , with their Ships laden with diuers kindes of Merchandise : Whereupon the Portugals of Macao designed to send an Ambassadour to the King , to intreat him that the Hollanders as their sworne enemies , might be excluded out of Cochin-China : Wherein they imployed a braue Captaine , called Ferdinand de Costa , who effected it with good successe , yet not without much difficulty ; preuailing so farre , that the King by his Edict or Proclamation , forbad the Hollanders to approach the Countreyes vnder his obedience , or paine of their liues . But those of Macao apprehending afterwards , that the said Edict was not well obserued , thought good to send a new Embassage into Cochin-China , to obtaine a Confirmation thereof ; and charged their Deputies to make the King vnderstand , that the affaire concerned his owne Interest , and that if hee did not preuent it , he might haue cause to feare that the Hollanders in time ( being so crafty and cunning as they are ) would assay to inuade some part of his Kingdome of Cochin-China , as they had already some other places of the Indies . But certaine Persons of good vnderstanding in that Countrey , aduised them not to speake in that sort to the King ; because that would be the very way to make the Hollanders haue permission to come to Traffique in that Countrey , and to inuite all Holland thither : The Maxime of the Cochin-Chinois being , not to acknowledge euer any the least apprehension of any Nation in the World. Cleane contrary to the King of China , who fearing all , shutteth the Gate against Strangers , permitting no traffique in his Kingdome . This is that little which I haue thought good to relate concerning the Temporall estate of Cochin-China ; according to that knowledge I could get during the space of some yeeres whiles I remained there : the Aire being so benigne , that they neuer haue any Pestilence , neither doe the people know what kind of thing it is , or what it meaneth . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A04899-e490 De beata vita . De orbis conc . lib. 3. cap. 25. Kekerm . phys . lib. 2. cap. 3.