Cupid's Conclusion.
CUpid's Posies now at last are done. For if you read them all, you will like some. For these new Posies are both sweet and brief, And will disclose the sighing Lover's grief. For Cupid, having too much idle leisure, Composed these Posies for his pleasure.
Fair Maids, my Posies now are done; Which for your sakes I first begun. And young Men here may always choose Such Posies as they mean to use. I Cupid writ them on a day, When Venus gave me leave to play; And if you like them, for my pain: Then Cupid means to write again.
FINIS.
STRANGE AND
WONDERFUL THINGS
happened to Richard Hasleton,
born at Braintree in Essex,
in his Ten years Travels in many
foreign countries.
PENNED AS HE DELIVERED
it from his own mouth.
LONDON,
Printed by A. I. [Abel Jeffes] for William Barley,
and are to be sold at his shop in Gratious
[Gracechurch] street, near Leaden Hall.
1595.
[The following Text has been printed from the only extant copy of the original edition, by the kind permission of Wakefield Christie-Miller, Esq. of Britwell Court, Bucks.]
To the Worshipful Master Richard Stapar, one of
the Worshipful Company of Merchants Adventurers
of this honourable city of London, trading to Turkey
and the Eastern Kingdoms.
Your Worship's faithful well-willer W[illlam] Barley
wisheth all fortunate and happy success in all your
enterprises, with increase of worldly worship;
and, after death, the joys unspeakable.
WOrshipful sir. The many reports of your rare virtues generally spoken of all honest travellers who hath tasted the benefit of your bounty: not only in our home born country where you have your residence; but in those far countries where your honest Factors trade. By whose worshipful and express command given [to] them, and the good they daily do for all men which seek them; your Worship is accounted and called the Pattern of Bounty: especially of such as are, in their travail [here meaning labours as well as journeys] distressed with want; which with money are relieved, as well as [with] other great cost [that] their [the Factors'] favour or friendship can procure. So that not only the poor and needy are pleasured thereby; but those that swim in most abundance. All proceeding of your most kind and courteous disposition.
The remembrance of which [having] moved a longing desire in me, in some sort, to explain your worthiness and fame, by your bounty gained: it had never such opportunity until this time when, perusing my store of Papers and Writings of sundry men's labours, I chanced on this pamphlet; which importeth the troublesome travails of our near neighbour, born at Braintree in Essex, named Richard Hasleton. Whose miseries as they were many (being in the hands both of Christian and heathen enemies, for GOD and our country's cause; and his escapes from death so often, and so wonderful); with the constant enduring of the same: his preservation; and safe return to England, where his longing desire so often wished him.
All which considered, with your Worship's love to all travellers, emboldened me the rather under your Worship's patronage to publish the same; especial zeal procuring me thereunto. And partly in regard of your many favours to the said Hasleton in his miseries extended; [and partly] that your Worship's good ensample may lighten others to such good actions.
Hoping your Worship will accept of it no less friendly than I offer it willingly: which if you do, then is my desire satisfied, and myself rest bounden to your Worship's worthiness. Ever beseeching the Giver of all good to increase the number of such worthy-minded subjects; by whom our Prince and country are, in foreign parts, so much honoured.
Your Worship's
To command in what I may,
William Barley.
The miserable Captivity of Richard
Hasleton, born at Braintree in Essex.
IN the year 1582, departing the English coast toward the end of May, in a ship of London called the Mary Marten (one of the owners [of which] was a citizen of London named Master Eastwoode; the other of them, named Master Estridge, dwelling at Limehouse), being laden and bound for Petrach [Patras], a town of mart, being within the dominion of the Turk: where we safely arrived and made our mart.
And within eight and twenty days were laden homeward; and presently we weighed anchor, and set sail. And coming out of the Gulf of Lepanto, [we] grounded upon a rock, lying on the larboard side; being in very great danger, [and] in doubt to lose both ship and goods: yet it pleased GOD that we recovered.
Then, about the midst of the month of July [1582], we came right before Cape de Gatte [Cabo de Gata, near Almeria, in Spain] when, having a very small wind, we descried two galleys: whereupon the Master commanded the Gunner to put forth the ordnance, and to heave the skiff overboard.
Then did the Gunner demand of the Master to make a shot: which he granted. Then did he bestow eight and twenty shot, but to no purpose: for the enemy lay very far out.
Now when we saw our shot and powder spent so much in waste, some of our company cried to our Master to shew the Turks' Letters: but he would not; but commanded the Gunner still to shoot.
For now the galleys were within shot, and did shoot at us, both with great shot and muskets. And presently both our Gunners were slain, both with one shot; and some others maimed, whereby we were in great doubt: for the gallies lying on both sides of us, one of them had shot us under water, whereby our ship was foundered before we perceived.
Then we perceiving the ship to sink from us; such as were wariest leapt into the skiff, as many as it was able to bear: the rest leaping overboard, such as could swim saved themselves, going aboard the gallies; the others were drowned.
Now I being the last man upon the hatches, because I was at the stern, and being sore hurt with a musket shot; the Turks [having] made haste to board our ship, hoping to save some of our goods: two of them came aboard. The first came to me, and took me by the bosom. I drew out my knife very speedily, and thrust him into the body; and so slew him. The other was gone down into the ship, where I left him; for even then was the ship sinking from me.
Wherefore I betook myself to swimming; and turning me about to see the ship, I could see nothing thereof but only the flag. Then did I swim to the gallies; and laying hold upon an oar, got into the galley.
When I was aboard, I was stripped of my clothes. Then presently was I commanded to the poop, to talk with the Captain: who inquired of me, Whether I was a Merchant [i.e., the Supercargo of the ship]? Which because I would not confess, he gave me 15 strokes with a cudgel, and then put me in the galley's hold: where I was six days, taking very little sustenance; lying in extreme pains, by reason of my hurts which I had received in the fight; and with anguish, for my hard hap.
About three months after [? October 1582], the gallies returned to Argire [Algiers]; where immediately after my landing I was sold for 66 doubles [the Double Pistoles or Doubloons; equal according to page [392] to £4, 14s. then; or say £20 now].
Then did I fall into extreme sickness for ten days' space; notwithstanding [which] I was sent to sea by my Master to whom I was sold, to labour in the gallies at an oar's end: where I remained three months [? November 1582 to January 1583], being very feeble and weak, by reason my sickness continued the most part of that time; yet was I constrained either to labour, or else to lose my head. I had no other choice.
Then the gallies returning home to Argire [Algiers], after my coming on shore I was in a marvellous weakness; what with continual labour, with beating, and with sickness: which endured three months [? February to April 1583], being in a most miserable estate without all succour seeing no man to pity my misery; having no nourishment but only bread and water and [of] that but small quantity, no apparel on me but a thin shirt and a pair of linen breeches, and lodged in a stable on the cold ground. Thus I, being almost in despair ever to recover, yielded myself to the will of Almighty GOD; whom it pleased, in the end, to give me a little strength.
And after, for the space of two [or rather four years] or more [? April 1583 to April 1587], I was divers times at my labour at the oar's end, after my accustomed manner; till (such time our fleet of gallies meeting with the gallies of Genoa near the Christian shore; and they following us in chase) it chanced, [about April 1587] by reason of tempest, that our galley was cast away near the west side of the island [of] Formentera.
There were in it, of Christians and Turks, to the number of 250; which were all drowned except 15: of which myself, with two others, with great difficulty brake our chains; and taking hold of an oar, we escaped to the shore, not without great danger of drowning.
We being now gotten to land, and accompanied both with Turks and Christians; we took our rest under bushes and thickets. The Turks were very unwilling to depart with [separate from] us; thinking to find some other galley of the company to take us aboard, and carry us back to Argire [Algiers].
But we, hoping now to get our liberties, conveyed ourselves as secretly as we could into the woods; and went unto a rock, and with sharp stones we did beat off our irons: and fled immediately to the Christians, and yielded ourselves.
But one of them which escaped with me, who was born in Sclavony [? Slavonia, or ? Cephalonia], told them, That I was an English Lutheran.
Then was I presently carried aboard a galley of Genoa, and put in chains.
And, upon the morrow, was I sent over into the Isle of Iviza, being within the jurisdiction of Majorca: which are all in the dominion of Spain.
There was I imprisoned in the High Tower of the Town Castle [of the town of Iviza], with a pair of bolts upon my heels, and a clasp of iron about my neck, there hanging a chain at the clasp: where I remained nine days, fed with a little bread and water.
Now because I had in no respect offended them; I demanded, Wherefore they molested me? saying, It was contrary to [the] law and the profession of Christians.
Then did they ask me, If I had spoken anything against the King, and against the Church of Rome?
I answered, "Nothing!"
Then they told me, I should be sent to Majorca, to answer before the Inquisition.
Then the Justice, or Chief Officer, of Iviza brought me back to Genoa; requesting to have me chained in a galley: which the Captain did, asking the Justice, Who should be my surety for running away?
He demanded, If there were not a spare chain?
He said, "Yes." Then he commanded a chain to be brought forth; and chained me at the sixth oar before: where I rowed until we came to the Port of Spine [later called Portpin; now the Bay of Palma] in Majorca, guarding me with 14 gallies.
Then were the Officers of the Inquisition sent for by the Captain, which came the second day after our coming there [i.e., to Palma]: and at their coming, they offered me the Pax, which I refused to touch.
Whereupon they reviled me, and called me "Lutheran!"
[And] taking me presently out of the galley, carried me on shore in Majorca: and finding the Inquisitor walking in the market place, [they] presented me to him, saying, "Here is the prisoner!"
He immediately commanded me to prison; whither they carried me, and put a pair of shackles on my heels. Where I remained two days.
Then was I brought forth into a church, where the Inquisitor sat usually in judgement. Who being ready set, commanded me to kneel down and to do homage to certain images which were before me.
I told him, "I would not do that which I knew to be contrary to the commandments of Almighty God; neither had I been brought up in the Roman law, neither would I submit myself to it."
He asked me, Why I would not?
I answered, "That whereas in England, where I was born and brought up, the Gospel was truly preached; and maintained by a most gracious Princess: therefore I would not now commit idolatry, which is utterly condemned by the Word of God."
Then he charged me to utter the truth, otherwise I should abide the smart.
Then was a stool set, and he commanded me to sit down before him; and offered me the cross, bidding me reverently to lay my hand upon it, and urged me instantly to do it: which moved me so much, that I did spit in the Inquisitor's face; for which the Scribe gave me a good buffet on the face.
So, for that time, we had no more reasoning. For the Inquisitor did ring a little bell to call the Keeper; and [he] carried me to ward again.
And the third day, I was brought forth again to the place aforesaid.
Then the Inquisitor asked me, What I had seen in the churches of England?
I answered, That I had seen nothing in the Church of England but the Word of God truly preached.
Then he demanded, How I had received the Sacraments?
I replied, That I had received them according to the institution of Christ: that is, I received the bread in remembrance that Christ in the flesh died upon the cross for the redemption of man.
"How," said he, "hast thou received the wine?"
Whereto I replied and said, That I received the wine in remembrance that Christ shed his blood to wash away our sins.
He said, It was in their manner?
I said, "No."
Then he charged me to speak the truth, or I should die for it.
I told him, "I did speak the truth; and would speak the truth: for," said I, "it is better for me to die guiltless than guilty."
Then did he, with great vehemency, charge me again to speak the truth; and sware by the Catholic Church of Rome, that if I did not, I should die in fire.
Then I said, "If I died in the faith which I had confessed, I should die guiltless:" and told him he had made a vain oath. And so I willed him to use no circumstance to dissuade me from the truth: "for you cannot prevail. Though I be now in your hands, where you have power over my body; yet have you no power over my soul." I told him, he made a long matter far from the truth.
For which, he said I should die.
Then he bade me say what I could to save myself.
Where I replied, as followeth: Touching the manner of the receiving of Sacraments, where he said "it was like to theirs": "you," said I, "when you receive the bread, say it is the very body of Christ; and likewise you affirm the wine to be his very blood." Which I denied; saying it was impossible for a mortal man to eat the material body of Christ, or to drink his blood.
Then he said, I had blasphemed the Catholic Church.
I answered, That I had said nothing against the true Catholic Church; but altogether against the false Church.
He asked, How I could prove it? saying if I could not prove it, I should die a most cruel death.
Note, by the way, that when any man is in durance for religion; he is called to answer before no open assembly: but only in the presence of the Inquisitor, the Secretary, and the Solicitor whom they term the Broker. The cause is, as I take it, because they doubt [fear] that very many of their own people would confess the Gospel, if they did but see and understand their absurd dealing.
Again, to the matter. Because it was so secret, they urged me to speak the more.
Then he inquired, Whether I had ever been confessed?
I said, "Yes."
He demanded, "To whom?"
I said, "To GOD."
He asked me, If I had ever confessed to any Friar?
I said, "No, for I do utterly defy them. For how can he forgive me my sins, which is himself a sinner; as all other men are."
"Yes," said he, "he which confesseth himself to a Friar, who is a Father, may have remission of his sins by his mediation."
"Which," I said, "I would never believe."
Wherefore seeing they could seduce me, by no means, to yield to their abominable idolatry; the Secretary cried, "Away with him!" The Inquisitor and he frowned very angerly on me for the answers which I had given: and said, They would make me tell another tale.
So, at the ringing of a little bell, the Keeper came and carried me to ward again.
At my first Examination, when the Keeper should lead me away; the Inquisitor did bless me with the cross: but never after.
Two days after was I brought again, and set upon a stool before the Inquisitor.
He bade me ask misericordium.
I told him, "I would crave mercy of Jesus Christ who died for my sins. Other misericordium would I crave none!"
Then he commanded me to kneel before the altar.
I said, "I would: but not to pray to any image. For your altar is adorned with many painted images which were fashioned by the hands of sinful men: which have mouths, and speak not; ears, and hear not; noses, and smell not; hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not—which GOD doth not allow at his altar, for he hath utterly condemned them by his Word."
Then he said, I had been wrong[ly] taught. "For," said he, "whosoever shall see these figures in earth may the better remember him in heaven whose likeness it doth represent, who would be a Mediator to GOD for us."
But I replied, That all images were an abomination to the Lord: for he hath condemned them in express words by his own mouth, saying, "Thou shalt not make thyself any graven image, &c."
"Yes," said he, "but we have need of a Mediator to make intercession for us: for we are unworthy to pray to GOD ourselves, because we are vile sinners."
I said, "There was no Mediator but Jesus Christ."
Where, after many absurd reasons and vain persuasions, he took a pause.
Then I asked him, Why he kept me so long in prison, which never committed offence to them: knowing very well that I had been captive in Argire [Algiers] near[ly] five years space [July 1582 to April 1587]: saying, "That when GOD, by his merciful providence, had, through many great dangers, set me in a Christian country, and delivered me from the cruelty of the Turks: when I thought to find such favour as one Christian oweth to another, I found them now more cruel than the Turks, not knowing any cause Why."
"The cause," said he, "is because the King hath wars with the Queen of England."
For at that instant [April 1587], there was their Army [Armado] prepared ready to go for England. Whereupon they would, divers times, give me reproachful words; saying, That I should hear shortly of their arrival in England. With innumerable vain brags, which I omit for brevity.
Then did I demand, "If there were not peace between the King and the Queen's Majesty; whether they would keep me still?"
"Yea," said he, "unless thou wilt submit thyself to the faith of the Romish Church." So he commanded me away.
I asked, Wherefore he sent for me; and to send me away, not alleging any matter against me?
He said, I should have no other matter alleged but that which I had spoken with mine own mouth.
Then I demanded, "Why they would have the Romish Church to have the supremacy?"
Whereto he would make no answer.
Then I asked, "If they took me to be a Christian?"
"Yes," said he, "in some respect; but you are out of the faith of the true Church."
Then the Keeper took me to prison again.
And after, for the space of three weeks, I was brought forth to answer three several times every week. At which times they did sometimes threaten me with death, some while with punishment; and many times they attempted to seduce me with fair words and promises of great preferment: but when they saw nothing would draw me from the Truth, they called me "shameless Lutheran!" saying many times, "See, he is of the very blood of Luther! He hath his very countenance!" with many other frivolous speeches.
After all this, he commanded to put me in the dungeon within the Castle [i.e. of Palma], five fathoms [30 feet] under ground; giving me, once a day, a little bread and water.
There remained I one whole year [April 1587 to April 1588], lying on the bare ground, seeing neither sun nor moon; no, not hearing man woman nor child speak, but only the Keeper which brought my small victual.
It happened about the year's end, upon the Feast of Phillip and Jacob [JAMES], being the first day of May [1588], that a pretty boy, being the Keeper's son, came to give me my ordinary food; which he used sometimes to do.
Now, when he opened the [trap] door, and had let down the basket; I asked, "Who was there?"
He answered by his name, saying, "Here is Matthew!"
I asked him, "Where his father was?"
"He is gone to Mass," said he. So he let down the trap door, and went his way; leaving the rope with the basket hanging still.
And forasmuch as I lay without all comfort, reposing myself only unto GOD's Providence; yet unwilling to lose any opportunity that lay in me, if GOD were pleased, whereby I might be delivered. So soon as I heard the boy was gone: I jumped up and took hold of the rope, and wound myself up to the [trap] door. Setting my foot against the wall, with my shoulders did I lift the trap door.
Now when I was aloft, and saw no man; for they were gone to see some ceremonies of their idolatrous exercises in the city, I knew [of] no way to escape away; being now in the midst of the way: wherefore it was impossible to convey myself [away] so secretly, but I should be espied.
Wherefore, for a present shift, I went secretly into a void [an empty] room of the Castle [i.e. of Palma] where lay great store of lime and earth: where I tied an old cloth, which I had, about my head and face to keep the dust out of my eyes and ears; and so did I creep into the lime, and covered myself so well as I could, lying there till towards midnight.
And then hearing no man stirring, I got up, and sought some way to get forth: but could find none. Then, being greatly perplexed, I bent myself to the good pleasure of Almighty GOD; making my humble prayers that he would, of his mercy, vouchsafe to deliver me out of this miserable thraldom.
And, searching to and fro, in the end I came where three great horses stood, tied by the head and feet. Then did I unloose the halters from their heads, and the ropes from their legs; and went to the Castle wall. When I had tied them end to end, I made it [the rope] fast to the body of a vine which grew upon the wall: and by it did I strike myself over the wall into the town ditch: where I was constrained to swim about forty paces, before I could get forth of the ditch.
Then walked I to and fro in the city [Palma] two hours, seeing no man: neither could I devise any way forth.
Wherefore I returned back again to the town ditch, to see if I could find any way to bring me without the town walls: and following the ditch, at the last I perceived, by the noise of the water, that there was a Water Gate through the wall; where I searched and found that the issue of the water was under the wall.
Then did I very venturously enter the water, and diving under water got into the Water Gate: and suddenly the force of the water did drive me through with such violence, that it cast me headlong against another wall on the outside; which with the blow did much amaze me.
Yet, by the help of GOD, I recovered, swimming down the ditch till I came where was a trough or pipe; which I took to be laid over the ditch, to convey some fresh water spring into the city.
There did I climb up a post which bare the same, and got upon the top of the pipe: where some of the Watch, being near the wall, perceived me; but could not any way come near to me.
Then cried they, in their tongue, "Who is there?" three or four times; but I made no answer, but crept as fast as I could to get off the pipe to land: where, before I could get down, they shot some of their muskets after me; but, thanked be GOD, none of the shot did hit me.
Thus, with great difficulty, I escaped out of the city; and went about six miles from thence before the day brake.
Then I went into a thick wood. For I perceived there were very many sent forth, with hue and cry, both footmen and horsemen, to apprehend me. Therefore I lay still the day and night following.
And after, for seven days' space [3rd-9th May 1588], I wandered through desert ways, among woods and bushes. Many times, as I came near the Port ways [i.e. the roads to the seaport Palma], I heard the pursuers inquiring after me; demanding of divers, Whether they had seen me pass? Some were very earnest to take me; others wishing that I might escape: for very many times I was so near them that I heard every word they spake.
Thus I imagined, by all possible means, to avoid [escape from] the hands of these unmerciful tyrants; being in great extremity with hunger and cold. For since the time I came out of the prison, which was at the least eight days, I had none other sustenance but berries, which I gathered from the bushes; and the roots of palm [trees] and other like roots, which I digged out of the earth: and no other apparel but an old linen cloth about my body, and a red cap on my head; without either hose, shoes, or other furniture. So that, by reason the way was very hard, I was forced to cut my cap in two; and [to] lap it about my feet, to defend them from the sharp stones and gravel.
Thus travelling for the most part by night, I chanced to come where there was a house standing alone; and near the house there stood a cart wherein lay certain horse collars. Where searching among them, I found the collars lined with sheepskins: which skins I rent from the collars, and apparelled myself with them in this manner:
I put one piece before me like a breastplate, and another on my shoulders and back; with the woolly side towards my body: tying them together over my shoulders and under my arms with Palmite, which is a weed like to that whereof our hand baskets are made; which is well known to such as have travelled [in] those parts. And with another piece I made me a cap.
And in these seemly ornaments I passed forth, till about three days after [? 12th May 1588], very early in a morning, most unhappily I crossed an highway, where a countryman, travelling with a mule laden with rundlets of wine, espied me, and demanded of me, Whither I was bound?
I said, I was going to Coothea [Alcudia, 31 miles from Palma], which is a town lying on the shore side.
But he, suspecting me to be the man which was pursued, bade me stay.
But I went onward.
He ran after me, and threw stones at me: but I (not being able to overrun him, being very feeble) turned back; and, with a pole which I carried, began to defend myself, striking at him three or four times. At the last I thrust at him, and hit him on the breast, and overthrew him: whereupon he made a horrible cry.
And immediately there came to the number of fifteen more: some having swords; some, harquebuses; and others, crossbows. When I was thus beset, knowing no way to escape, I yielded myself.
Then they bound me hands and feet, laid me on a mule, and carried me back again to [Palma] the city of Majorca; delivering me to the Inquisitor: who, when he had sent me to prison, commanded a pair of bolts to be put on my legs, and an iron clasp about my neck, with a chain of five fathoms [30 feet] long hanging thereat; which was done accordingly.
And on the morrow [? 13th May 1588], I was brought forth to the accustomed place, and in the same manner: where the Inquisitor sitting, asked first, Why I had broken prison, and run away?
I said, "To save my life."
"Yea," said he, "but now thou hast offended the law more than before; and therefore shall the law be now executed upon thee."
Then I was carried away again. And immediately there was called an assembly of citizens, and such as were seen in the Law, to counsel, and to take advice, What punishment they might inflict upon me?
Which being deliberated, I was brought forth again; and carried to the Place of Torment: which was in a cell or vault underground.
There were present but four persons, that is to say,
The Inquisitor,
The Solicitor, or Broker, who is to see the law executed.
A Dutch woman that dwelt in the city; who was commanded thither to tell them what I spake;
because I spake many times in the Dutch tongue.
And lastly, the Tormentor.
The rack now standing ready before them; with seven flaxen ropes lying thereon, new[ly] bought from the market.
Then the Inquisitor charged me, as at all other times he used to do, That I should speak what I had to say, and to speak the truth; otherwise I should be even now tormented to death.
I, seeing myself in the hands of such cruel tyrants as always thirst after the blood of the innocent; even as Cain (who being wroth with his brother Abel, and carrying a heavy countenance) could be no way eased but with his brother's blood: so I, past hope of life, turned my back towards them, and seeing my torments present before me, I fell down on my knees, and besought the Lord to forgive my sins, and to strengthen my faith, and to grant me patience to endure to the end.
Then they took me into a void room, and stripped me out of my ornaments of sheepskins which I repeated [spoke of] before; and put a pair of strong canvas breeches upon me.
Then bringing me to the rack again, he commanded me to lie down. The bars of the rack under me were as sharp as the back of a knife.
Now I, willingly yielding myself, lay down. Then the Tormentor bound my hands over my breast crosswise; and my legs clasped up together, were fast tied the one foot to the other knee. Then he fastened to either arm a cord, about the brawn of the arm; and likewise to either thigh another; which were all made fast again under the rack to the bars: and with another cord he bound down my head; and [he] put a hollow cane into my mouth. Then he put four cudgels into the ropes which were fastened to my arms and thighs.
Now the woman which was present, being interpreter, began to persuade me to yield, and confess the faith of the Church of Rome.
I answered, "If it were the will of GOD that I should end my life under their cruel hands, I must be content: but, if it please him, he is able to deliver me, if there were ten thousands against me."
Then the Tormentor, as he was commanded, began to wrest the ropes; which he did by little and little, to augment my pains, and to have them endure the longer: but, in the end, he drew them with such violence as though he would have plucked my four quarters in sunder; and there stayed a good space.
Yet to declare their tyrannical malice, thinking my torment not sufficient, he added more: pouring water through a cane which was in my mouth, by little and little, which I was constrained either to let down, or to have my breath stopped until they had tunned in such [a] quantity as was not tolerable to endure; which pained me extremely.
Yet not satisfied, they took and wet a linen cloth, and laid it over my mouth till I was almost strangled; when my body, being thus overcharged with such abundance of water, after they had thus stopped my breath with the wet cloth, suddenly with the force of my breath and that my stomach was so much overcharged, the water gushed out, and bare away the cloth as if had been the force of a conduit spout.
When the Inquisitor saw that all this would not make me yield, he commanded the Tormentor for to wind the cord on my left arm more strait[ly]; which put me to horrible pains. And immediately the rope burst in sunder.
Then said the Inquisitor, "Yea, is he so strong? I will make him yield!": and commanded the Tormentor to put a new rope.
Then the woman again bade me yield; saying, It were better to yield than to die so miserable a death.
But I, beseeching Almighty GOD to ease me of my pains, and to forgive my sins, answered her, That though they had power over my body: yet there was no torment should compel me to yield to their idolatry, whereby I might bring my soul in danger of hell fire.
Then the Inquisitor asked her, What I said?
She answered, That I had said I would never submit myself to the Church of Rome.
Then did he most vehemently charge me to yield and submit myself to the Romish Church: otherwise he would pluck off one of my arms.
Whereupon I denying still, the Tormentor, in most cruel manner, wrested the ropes as if he would have rent my body in sunder. I (being now in intollerable pains; and looking for nothing but present [instant] death) cried out, in the extremity of my anguish, "Now, farewell wife and children! and farewell England!": and so, not able to utter one word more, lay even senseless.
The Inquisitor asked the woman again, What I said?
She laid her hand upon my head, and perceiving that I was speechless, told him, I was dead.
Wherefore the Tormentor loosed the ropes, unbound my hands and feet, and carried me into a chamber which they termed St. Walter's Chamber. Where I came to myself, and received some sense and reason; but could have no feeling of any limb or joint. Thus I lay in a most lamentable and pitiful manner for five days [? 14th-18th May 1588], having a continual issue of blood and water forth of my mouth all that space, and being so feeble and weak, by reason of my torments, that I could take no sustenance.
Till the sixth day [? 19th May 1588] a little recovering my strength, they gave me a little quantity of bread and wine sod[den] together: and presently, the very same day, they carried me forth into the city, and set me upon an ass's back, and whipped me throughout every street of [Palma] the city of Majorca; giving me to the number of five hundred lashes, which made the blood to run down my miserable carcase in such abundance that it dropped at the belly of the ass to the ground. Now there were carried with me about the city very many harlots and whores and other malefactors which had offended the law; but none punished like me.
After this, they carried me to the chamber [St. Walter's Chamber] from whence I came: where I lay without all worldly comfort.
Can any man, which understandeth the absurd blindness and wilful ignorance of these Spanish tyrants or Romish monsters, think them to be of the true Church? which defend their faith with fire, sword, and hellish torments, without remorse or pity; as you may perceive by a manifest trial here set down to the open view of the World. For when these hell-hounds had tormented this miserable creature, as you have heard, with a monstrous and most unchristian kind of torment: which he endured for the space of three hours, till [he] was at the very point of death and ready to yield up the ghost: they (not yet satisfied with these torments, which he had suffered already) reserved his life, minding to increase his pains; which they were nothing slack to perform so long as he remained in their power.
Now the second night after they had whipped me about the city as aforesaid [? the night of the 20th May 1588], about midnight, I recounting to myself in what misery I both did and had remained; I thought to put in practice once again to get my liberty, craving of the Lord, with hearty prayer, to assist me with his mighty hand.
And immediately searching about, I found an old iron stub; with the which I brake a hole through the chamber wall: and crept through into another chamber; where I felt in the dark many pieces of plate, which I little regarded. After, I found many towels and table napkins.
Then, seeking further, I found a long cane whereon there hung many puddings and sausages. I plucked down the cane, but had little mind on the victual. Then I found certain knives.
Then I espied some light at a great window in a garret or loft over me. Wherefore I tied a crooked knife to the cane, and thrust up a long towel: and with the knife at the end of the cane, I drew the towel about a bar of the window, and drew it to me: and with that towel I did climb up into the window. But then I could not get forth between the bars, wherefore I digged forth one of the bars; and tied my towels and napkins together end to end, and fastened one end to a bar of the window: and then did slide down by them till I came within three or four fathoms [18 or 24 feet] of the ground: when the towels brake in sunder, and I fell down into a well which was direct[ly] under me, where I was almost drowned. Yet it pleased GOD to deliver me.
And being then in the city, without the Castle walls; I, knowing no other way to get out, went again to the town ditch: where I got through the Water Gate with less peril than before, by reason there was less water than [there] was the other time.
Then went I, with all speed into the woods; lying all days in [the] woods as close as I could, and travelled by nights through woods and mountains.
And upon the third night [i.e. after his escape, say the night of the 23rd May 1588], about midnight, I happened into an olive garden, not above half a bow shot from the sea-side; in which garden I found a little skiff or boat lying under a pomgranate tree: and there lay in the boat a hatchet. All which served happily for my delivery.
Now I, being unable to carry the boat to the water-side, did cut small truncheons of wood; and upon them did slide it down to the water-side. Then I cut an arm [a branch] of an olive tree, to make my boat a mast; and, having no other shift, made a sail-cloth with my breeches and a piece of [a] mantle which I had about me. And for [because] my oars were very mean, yet durst I stay to look for no better, but presently set sail; and, yielding myself to the good pleasure of Almighty GOD, betook myself to the sea: willing rather to abide what the Lord would lay on me, than to die among these most cruel tyrants.
And by the providence of GOD, upon the second day [? 25th May 1588], in the forenoon, I descried the Coast of Barbary: for the wind stood north-east [or rather north-west], which served me most happily.
Understand that this cut is, from shore to shore [that is, from some point in Majorca to the east side of the Bay of Bougiah] 150 [or rather 70] leagues, which is 450 [or, at most, say 210] English miles; and at that time [there was] a very rough sea; insomuch if it had not been by the great and wonderful power of GOD, my vessel and I had both been overwhelmed.
But I fell in with the country of Cabyles [i.e., the Little Kabylia, in the present Province of Constantine], commonly called the King of Cookooe's land, near a town called Gigeley [the present Djidjelli]: where I went on shore, leaving my boat to swim which way the wind and weather would conduct it; thinking it had done me sufficient service.
But see now, when I had escaped through the surges of the sea from the cruelty of the Spaniard, I was no sooner landed and entered the mountains but I was espied by the Moors which inhabit the country; who pursued very earnestly to take me; supposing me to be come from the Christian shore to rob in their coast.
For, many times, the Spaniards will pass over in some small vessel, and go on shore; and if they can catch any men of the country, they will carry them away to make galley slaves: wherefore the Moors are very diligent to pursue them at their landing; and if it chance they take any Christian, they use him in like sort.
Wherefore I, being very unwilling to fall into their hands, was constrained to go into a river, which ran between two mountains; and there to stand in water up to the chin, where the bushes and trees did grow most thick over me: where I stood certain hours, until they had left searching for me.
Now when I perceived they were departed, I went out of the water, being very feeble; for I ate nothing all that time but the bark of the trees, which I cut with my hatchet. I went forth as secretly as I could, minding to pass to Argire [Algiers].
I had not gone above three miles, when I espied a Moor, a very well favoured old man, who was weeding a field of wheat.
I spake to him in the tongue of Franke [The Lingua Franca of the Mediterranean shore], and called him to me. I, having my hatchet in my hand, cast it from me.
He came unto me; and, taking me by the hand, demanded very gently, What I would have?
I, perceiving that he did, even at the first sight, pity my poor and miserable estate, told him all things that had happened unto me: how I was an Englishman; how I had been captive in Argire; how I chanced to come to Genoa; their sending me to Majorca; and all the torment which I had suffered there; and finally my escape from thence, with all the rest that followed.
The charitable mind of a simple old man.
This good aged father, when he had heard of my lamentable discourse, shewing himself rather a Christian than a man brought up among the Turkish Mahometists, greatly pitied my misery; and forthwith led me home to his house, and caused such victuals as the country yieldeth to be set before me, which was dried wheat and honey: and baked a cake upon the fire hearth, and fried it with butter; which I thought very good meat, for I had not been at the like banquet in six years before [1582-1588]; the good father shewing me what comfort he could.
The old man still pitied him and did what lay in him to deliver him.
There I remained four and twenty hours. In the meantime the Moors which dwelt in the villages by, understanding of my being there, came; and, calling me forth, inquired of me, What I was? From whence I came? and Whither I would?: and, with great vehemency, charged their weapons against my breast; insomuch that I thought they would verily have slain me. But mine host, that good old man, came forth and answered for me; and so dissuaded them from doing me any harm: and took me back again into his house.
This being past, I requested him to help me to a guide to conduct me to Argire: and he presently provided two, whereof the one was his son; to whom I promised to give four crowns for their pains.
So taking my leave of my good host, we took our way towards Argire.
When we had not passed above 24 miles on the way, we chanced to meet a Gentleman of that country who was, as it were, Purveyor to the King; and went about the country to take up corn and grain for the King's provision. He, meeting us upon the way, asked Whither we were travelling?
My guides answered, That we were going to Argire.
He asked, What had we to do there?
They said to deliver me there.
Then he demanded, What I was?
They told him, I was an Englishman that came from the Christian shore, and was bound towards Argire.
Then did this Gentleman take me from them, sending them back from whence they came; but compelled me to go with him to village by, and very earnestly persuaded me to turn Moor: promising, if I would, he would be a mean to prefer me greatly; which I still denied.
Then, upon the next day, he carried me further, to a town called Tamgote [? Tamgout], and delivered me to a Nobleman of great authority with the King: which was Lieutenant-General for the wars. For this King of Cookooe holdeth continual war with the King of Argire; although they be both subject to the Great Turk.
I was no sooner brought before this Nobleman, but he demanded, Whether I would turn Moor?
I answered, That I would not.
Wherefore immediately he commanded a pair of shackles to be put on my heels; and a clasp of iron about my neck, with a chain thereat.
Then was I set on a mule, and conveyed to Cookooe, [also spelt, in maps later than this narrative, Couco or Cocou. It was not far from the left bank of the river Sahel, that falls into the Bay of Bougiah,? the present Akbou], where the King lay.
When I was come thither, I was presently brought before the King: who inquired, What I was? and, From whence I came? and What my pretence was?
I answered, That I was an Englishman; and that I came from the Christian shore, intending to pass to Argire.
Then he asked me, What I could do?
I told him I could do nothing.
Then he demanded, Whether I were a Gunner?
Gunners are in great estimation with them.
I said, "No."
Then he persuaded me very instantly to yield to their religion, offering to prefer me.
Wherefore I desired him to give me liberty to depart: "for my desire is to be in England, with my wife and children."
"Yea," said he, "but how wilt thou come there?"
For they minded to keep me still: and evermore the King assayed to seduce me with promises of great preferment, saying, If I would serve him and turn Moor: I should want nothing.
But on the contrary, I besought him to give me liberty to go to Argire; where I was in hope to be delivered, and sent home to mine own country.
Now he, seeing he could win me by no gentle means, commanded me to prison; saying, That he would either make me yield and turn Moor: or else I should die in captivity.
In this while that I remained in prison; divers of the King's House came to me, persuading me to yield to the King's demand: alleging how hardly the King might use me, being now in his power, unable to escape; and again how bountifully the King would deal with me, if I would submit myself.
Within a little time after, it happened there was great preparation to receive the King of Abbesse [? the present tribe of the Beni-Abbas, or Beni-Abbès], whose country adjoineth to the King of Cookooe's land: and [they] are in league together, and join their armies in one against the King of Argire.
These men are nothing expert in Artillery.
Now, at his coming, I was fetched forth of prison, and commanded to charge certain pieces of ordinance, which were three Sacres and two Minions of Brass [See Vol. IV., pp. 250-251]; which I refused not to do, trusting thereby to get some liberty. Wherefore, at the coming of the King of Abbesse into the town, I discharged the ordnance as liked them very well: for they are not very expert in that exercise. For which I had some more liberty than before.
This King of Abbesse tarrying some certain time there, in consulting with the King of Cookooe for matters touching the Wars with Argire; and understanding of me, sent for me, being very desirous to talk with me: where, after certain questions he desired of the other King, that he might buy me; which he would not grant.
Very many offers of preferment to draw me from the Word of GOD.
Then the King of the Cabyles [Kabyles] or Cookooe persuaded me very seriously to serve him wil[ling]ly, and to turn Moor: and offered to give me 700 Doubles [? the Double Pistoles, or Doubloons] by the year, which amounteth to the sum of £50 [= £200 now] of English money; and moreover to give me by the day, 30 Aspers, which are worth twelve pence English, to find me meat; and likewise to give me a house, and land sufficient to sow a hundred bushels of grain yearly, and two Plow of oxen furnished, to till the same; also to furnish me with horse, musket, sword, and other necessaries, such as they of that country use. And lastly he offered to give me a wife, which they esteemed the greatest matter; for all buy their wives at a great price. Yea, if there were any in his Court could content me, I should make my choice: but if there were not; he would provide one to my contentment, whatsoever it should cost him.
But when he perceived all he said was in vain, he sent the Queen and her gentlewomen to talk with me. When she came, she very courteously entreated me to turn and serve the King, and to consider well what a large offer the king had made; saying, That I was much unlike to come to any like preferment in my country. And many times she would shew me her gentlewomen, and ask me, If none of them could please me?
But I told her, I had a wife in mine own country, to whom I had vowed my faith before GOD and the World: "which vow," I said, "I would never break while we both lived."
Then she said, She could but marvel what she should be whom I esteemed so much as to refuse such offers of preferment, for her sake; being now where I must remain in captivity and slavery all the days of my life. But when she could prevail no way with me; when she had uttered these foresaid speeches, and many others which were frivolous to rehearse, she left me. Yet, by her means, I had more liberty than before.
After this, I was set to saw boards and planks; and was commanded to make a carriage for a piece of ordnance. Thus they compelled me to labour daily: which I did the more willingly, because I hoped still to get my liberty thereby in the end.
Then they willed me to shew the fashion of our edge tools, after the English [manner]: which when they saw the fashion; their smiths wrought them very artificially, and gave them very good temper. For these things I was had in more estimation; insomuch that they took off my irons, and let me walk abroad with a Keeper.
I was made Master of work, wherein I had small skill.
Then was I commanded by the King to teach the Carpenters to frame a house after the manner of English building: and for that purpose there were sent forth Carpenters and workmen with me to the woods, to fall timber; all which were to do what I appointed, upon the King's commandment. Now I, being Chief Master of the work, appointed out the trees which were very special good timber. In small time, we had finished our frame; which liked the King very well. By this means I had more liberty than before; and was very well intreated.
Yet I was greatly grieved in mind that I could not procure any means for my liberty; although at that time, I wanted few necessaries. Yet was I daily devising how I might escape away, for three special causes:
One was for the special care I had of my salvation: because, as you have heard, there were many temptations laid before me
to draw me from a Christian to be an abominable idolater.The second cause was for the love and dutiful allegiance which I owe to my Prince [Sovereign] and natural country.
The third was the regard of the vow which I vowed in matrimony; and the care of my poore wife and children.
Which causes moved me so much that whereas, by reason of my diligence in these foresaid matters, I [was] walking abroad with my Keeper who, not suspecting me, was not so attentive as before he had been: so soon as our frame was finished, I took opportunity; and, shewing them a clean pair of heels, took my way over the mountains intending to go for Argire [which was in a north-westerly direction].
But presently there was a great store of men, both on horseback and on foot: who, being more perfect in the way than I was, quickly overtook me; and carried me back again to Cookooe.
I was presently brought before the King; who asked me Why I ran away?
I told him, To have liberty.
Then he called certain of his servants to him; and commanded them to lay me down at his feet, which four of them did: and laying me flat upon the belly, one of them gave me 75 stripes with a great cudgel, till I was not able to remove out of the place.
Then the King commanded to carry me to prison again: whither two of them carried me and put me in irons, and there left me. Where I remained for the space of two months.
I was now made a Water-bearer.
Then was I brought forth of prison, and sent daily to a fountain or well, about half a league from the town, to fetch water with a couple of asses, for the use of the King's House.
Now, in this time, many artificers (as Smiths, Joiners, and Carpenters, and many others) came to me to understand the fashion of many English tools (as plane irons, gouges, chisels and such like); for which they shewed me some favour, and gave me some money.
And when I had gotten a little money, I bestowed it upon apparel, and caused it to be made like to theirs: which I carried secretly, when I went to fetch water, and did hide it in a dry cave under the side of a rock. I bought me likewise a sword and a lance, such as they use to travel with. I also provided a file. All which I laid up with my apparel.
It happened that the King of Abbesse came again to visit the King, and to take counsel about warlike affairs; as usually they did.
Wherefore when they heard of his coming, making great preparation for him; it fell out so that there wanted water in the Offices [Kitchens &c.], where, in an evening, there was exceeding thunder and rain and lightning; so that there was no man would go for water, but everyone [was] calling for the Englishman.
Then I, which durst say no "Nay!", took the vessels and hung them upon the asses; and so went, through rain and wind and thunder and all, till I came to the well: where I left my asses to wander whither they would, and went to my apparel and with my file cut off my irons, and made me ready in my suit of Moors' clothing, and, with my sword by my side and my lance on my shoulder, took my way once again towards Argire.
And that night I went about 20 miles over rocks and mountains, keeping myself out of beaten ways, casting [directing] my way by the moon and stars. When the day began to be light, I lay me down in a brake of thick bushes; and there I slept the most part of the day: and in the evening I began to travel forth on my way.
Now, on the third night, I was to pass a bridge where was continual watch and ward, both day and night; where I must of necessity pass, by reason the river [? the river Isser] ran betwixt two mountains: which were so steep that no man can neither go down to enter [the] water, nor yet being in can by any possible means get up on the other side; which river is a great defence to the country.
Where I used no delay, but entered the bridge in the beginning of the night, about nine of the clock, being in great doubt [fear] of the Watch. But at the first end of the bridge, I saw no man, until I was happily passed over. Then there came one after me, and asked, Who goes there?
It being somewhat dark, and I in apparel and with my weapons like a Moor; [I] answered boldly, That I was a friend, and told him, I was coming to the Governor to deliver letters from the King. For near the river's side there is a village where dwelleth he who hath charge of the keeping of this passage. Whereby I went onward through the village.
But before I was far passed, I heard horsemen upon the bridge; which asked, Whether any man had passed that night?
The watermen told them, There was one gone, even now, which said, He went to deliver the King's letters to the Officer.
But I thought [it] no time now to hear any more of their talk; but betook me to my heels: and so soon as I was without the town, I went out of the Port way [the road to Algiers] into [the] woods; and kept desert ways that night and day following.
And the next night, I came within the liberties of the King of Argire; where I knew the Cabyles [Kabyles] could not fetch me back again.
Many dangerous wild beasts in that country.
In this order I escaped their hands, by the mighty power of GOD. For understand, in these desert mountains there are all manner of wild beasts, in great number; as lions, bears, wolves of marvellous bigness, apes, wild swine; and also wild horses and asses, with many other hurtful beasts: yet was I never in danger of any of them.
In this country of Cabyles, there are divers kinds of very pure metals, as gold, silver, and lead; and good iron and steel: but they, for want of knowledge and skill, make no use of any metal except iron and steel. Although at such times I have been present, while the Smiths have tried their iron, I have seen, among the dross of the iron, very perfect gold. Which they, perceiving me to behold, were very inquisitive to understand, Whether it were gold, or any other metal of substance?
But I told them, It was but a kind of dross whereof we made colours for painting in England.
They carried me out to the mountains, and shewed me the rocks where they gathered their iron; which rocks had veins of very pure gold. Which I would not reveal to them, but answered as before: because I doubted [feared] if the King once knew me to have experience in such mysteries, he would keep me the more straight[ly]; whereby I might have remained in bondage during my life.
Now when I was within the country of Argire, I was out of dangers from the pursuers; and then did I walk by day and kept the common ways.
Where, coming within the view of Argire, upon the way I met a Turk who knew me at the first sight; and demanded, If I had not been captive with such a man?
I said, "Yes."
He then inquired, Whether I went to the city?
I said, "Yes."
Then turned he back, and did accompany me to the city.
When I came there, I would have gone to the English House; but he led me violently to my old Master [p. [372]], where I rested me a day and night: my Master not being very earnest, for because, in this time that I was absent [1587-1588], all the English captives were redeemed and sent home.
Wherefore I went to the English Consul, hoping to be presently [instantly] delivered: who gave me very good words, but did not shew me that favour which he professed.
I could make some discourse of his unkind dealing with me and others of our countrymen; which I will leave till [a] more fit occasion.
For, understand, that while I was with him, there came a messenger from my old Master, with whom I was before I went to Genoa [in the previous year, 1587]; who would have carried me away by force: but I would not go, requesting the Consul to take order for my delivery.
But he persuaded me to go with him, saying, that he would, in time, provide for my liberty.
But by means I would not yield to go to my Master, nor yet the Consul would not take order for me: I was taken by the King's Officers, and put in chains in the King's prison, among other captives.
And at the next setting out of the gallies, I was put to my old occupation; where I remained a galley slave for three years and above after [1588-1592.] In which time, I was eight voyages at sea: and at such times as the gallies lay in harbour, I was imprisoned with the rest of the captives, where our ordinary food was bread and water; and, at some times, as once or twice in a week, a small quantity of sodden wheat.
To conclude, I passed my time in sickness and extreme slavery until, by the help of an honest Merchant [? Master Richard Stapar, see page [369]; or rather Stapers, see Vol. III., page 169] of this city of London, and having a very fit opportunity by means of certain [of] our English ships which were ready to set sail, bound homeward, upon Christmas Even, being the 24th of December 1592, I came aboard [at Algiers] the Cherubim of London; which, weighing anchor, and having a happy gale, arrived in England towards the end of February [1593] following.
Thus have you heard how it hath pleased the Almighty GOD, after many and great miseries, to bring me to the port which I longed greatly to see: beseeching GOD, of his mercy, to prolong the days of our most gracious and renowned Queen; whose fame reacheth far, and whose most happy government is in admiration with foreign Princes.
So wishing all to the glory of GOD, and
[the] furtherance of the Gospel,
I end.
FINIS.
The Merchant's Daughter of
Bristow [Bristol].
[Ancient Ballads, etc.
in the Library of
Henry Huth, 1867.]