June ii.
But it is now time to proceed on our journey, in which one Hungarian mile and a half carried us to Szekhelyhíd, where his Excellency lodged in the house of a popish prelate, by name Joannes Smitz, of the order of the Praemonstratenses, a gentile and agreable person. In his parlour, where he had an altar and crucifix, I observed over the former a profane picture of the Holy Trinity, representing an Old Man, with his Son sitting betwixt his legs, and at the son’s feet the Holy Ghost in the shape of a dove.
June iii.
Three Hungarian miles and a half farther brought us this day to Debrecyn, thro a rich soil, not destitute of wood, nor water; the latter of which is plentifully found in this countrey, as also in Transylvania and Valachia, by reason of its frequent and extended lakes; tho fountains are scarce any where to be observed. This city has lately obtained the privilege of being libera et regia from the Emperor, in consideration of its late grievous oppressions between the Turkish and German forces; since which, like other free cities, it is governed by its own judge, senate, and commonalty. It is large and populous, and sets up for the bulwark of the reformed church in Hungary; which character it maintains by its large and well disciplined college of almost two hundred students, under the care of two eminent professors; one of divinity, named Johannes Koes, who is likewise bishop or superintendent of the province; and the other of philosophy, whose name is Michael Vaári. As this college is kept in good repair, so the students are allowed their constant diet, and the professors receive their salary, at the sole charge of the city. There are likewise two spatious churches, served by three able and learned pastors, Thomas Veresedgyhazi, Michael Rapoti, and Stephanus Patai. The city is likewise furnished at the public charge with a capacious and well stored dispensary.
Before his Excellency approached this place, he was complimented by several messengers from the mayor, who commands the militia here, then by the judge, senators, and others; and at length by the bishop, professors, pastors, and scholars. With this retinue his Excellency entered the city, which was orderly lined with arms as far as his lodgings. These were appointed for him in the house of one Stephanus Dobozi, a rich, generous, and learned gentleman; who among other public designs is now undertaking to print a new version of the Hungarian Bible, to be distributed among the reformed Christians of that kingdom.
June iv.
This being Corpus Christi day, his Excellency continued at Debrecyn; at which time I took the opportunity of visiting the bishop, professors, and pastors of the town, the first of whom presented me with an handkerchief of the Hungarian fashion. I was introduced to them by one Paul Gyongyóssi, who met us in this place from a neighbouring cure. He had lately traveled into England, and resided sometime in Glocester Hall, Oxford, where he was known to my brother of dear memory. But in his return home thro Vienna his books were seized, to the value of five hundred florins, by Cardinal Colonicza, archbishop of Strigonium; on which account he now solicited the favour and interest of his Excellency. He presented me with the Canones Ecclesiae Reformatae Hungariae.
June v.
This morning the judge and magistrates of Debrecyn presented his Excellency with a gentile sword, and two small vessels of the best Tokái wine. And after traveling one Hungarian mile and a half thro a dead extended plain, void of tree or shrub, we came to Ujvaros. Here I first took notice of the Hungarian sheep, which are distinguished from most others by their horns, which are long, straight, and twisted; also by their wool, which is exceeding coarse.