A Brief History of Moscovia and Other Countries, Chapter 5 – List of authors
CHAP. V.
The first discovery of Russia by the North-east, 1553 with the English Embassies, and Entertainments at that Court, untill the Year 1604.
THE discovery of Russia by the northern Ocean,Hac. vol. 1. made first,243. 234. of any Nation that we know, by English men, might have seem'd an enterprise almost heroick; if any higher end than the excessive love of Gain and Traffick, had animated the design. Nevertheless that in regard that many things not unprofitable to the knowledge of Nature, and other Observations are hereby come to light, as good events ofttimes arise from evil occasions, it will not be the worst labour to relate briefly the beginning, and prosecution of this adventurous Voiage; untill it became at last a familiar Passage.
When our Merchants perceiv'd the Commodities of England to be in small request abroad, and foreign Merchandize to grow higher in esteem and value than before, they began to think with themselves how this might be remedied. And seeing how the Spaniards and Portugals had encreas'd their Wealth by discovery of new Trades and Countries, they resolv'd upon some new and strange Navigation. At the same time Sebastian Chabota, a man for the knowledge of Sea-affairs much renown'd in those daies, happen'd to be in London. With him first they consult; and by his advice conclude to furnish out three Ships for the search and discovery of the northern parts. And having heard that a certain Worm is bred in that Ocean, which many times eateth through the strongest Oak, they contrive to cover some part of the Keel of those Ships with thin sheets of Lead; and victual them for 18 months; allowing equally to their journey their stay, and their return. Arms also they provide and store of Munition, with sufficient Captains and Governours for so great an enterprise. To which among many, and some void of experience that offer'd themselves, Sir Hugh Willowby a valiant Gentleman earnestly requested to have the charge. Of whom before all others both for his goodly personage, and singular skill in the services of War, they made choise to be Admiral; and of Richard Chancelor, a man greatly esteem'd for his skill, to be chief Pilot. This man was brought up by Mr. Henry Sidney, afterwards Deputy of Ireland, who coming where the Adventurers were gather'd together; though then a young man, with a grave and eloquent Speech commended Chancelor unto them.
After this, they omitted no enquiry after any person that might inform them concerning those north-easterly parts to which the Voiage tended; and two Tartarians then of the King's Stable were sent for; but they were able to answer nothing to purpose. So after much debate it was concluded that by the 20th of May the Ships should depart. Being come near Greenwich where the Court then lay, presently the Courtiers came running out, the Privy Council at the Windows, the rest on the Towers and Battlements. The Mariners all apparell'd in Watchet, or sky-coloured Cloth, discharge their Ordnance; the noise whereof, and of the People shouting is answer'd from the Hills and Waters with as loud an Echo. OnelyOnly the good King Edward then sick beheld not this sight, but dy'd soon after. From hence putting into Harwich, they staid long and lost much time. At length passing by Shetland, they kenn'd a far off Aegelands, being an innumerable sort of Islands call'd Rost Islands in 66 degrees. Thence to Lofoot in 68. to Seinam in 70 degrees; these Islands belong all to the Crown of Denmark. Whence departing Sir Hugh Willowby set out his Flag by which he call'd together the chief men of his other Ships to counsel; where they conclude, in case they happen'd to be scatter'd by Tempest, that Wardhouse a noted Haven in Finmark be the appointed place of their meeting. The very same day after noon so great a Tempest arose, that the Ships were some driv'n one way, some another in great peril. The General with his loudest voice call'd to Chancelor not to be far from him; but in vain, for the admiral sayling much better than his Ship, and bearing all her Sayles was carried with great swiftness soon out of sight; but before that, the Ship-boat striking against her Ship was overwhelmed in view of the Bonaventure whereof Chancelor was Captain.Hac. 235. The third Ship also in the same Storm was lost. But Sir Hugh Willowby escaping that Storm, and wandring on those desolate Seas till the 18th of September put into a Haven where they had Weather as in the depth of Winter; and there determining to abide till Spring, sent out three men southwest to find Inhabitants; who journy'd three daies but found none; then other three went westward four daies journey, and lastly three southeast three daies; but they all returning without news of People, or any sign of Habitation, Sir Hugh with the company of his two Ships abode there till Ianuary, as appears by a Will since found in one of the Ships; but then perish'd all with cold. This River or Haven was Arzina in Lapland neer to Kegor, Hac. 464.where they were found dead the year after by certain Russian Fishermen. Whereof the English Agent at Mosco having notice, sent and recover'd the Ships with the dead Bodies and most of the Goods, and sent them for England; but the Ships being unstanch, as is suppos'd, by their two years wintring in Lapland, sunk by the way with their Dead, and them also that brought them. But now Chancelor with his Ship and Company thus left, shap'd his course to Wardhouse, the place agreed on to expect the rest; where having staid 7 daies without tydings of them, he resolves at length to hold on his Voiage; and sayl'd so far till he found no night, but continual day and Sun cleerly shining on that huge and vast Sea for certain daies. At length they enter into a great Bay, nam'd, as they knew after, from Saint Nicholas; and spying a Fisherboat, made after him to know what People they were. The Fishermen amaz'd with the greatness of his Ship, to them a strange and new sight, sought to fly; but overtak'n, in great fear they prostrate themselves, and offer to kiss his Feet; but he raysing them up with all signes and gestures of courtesie, sought to win their friendship. They no sooner dismist, but spread abroad the arrival of a strange Nation, whose humanity they spake of with great affection; whereupon the People running together, with like return of all courteous usage receive them; offering them Victuals freely; nor refusing to traffick, but for a loyal Custom which bound them from that, without first the consent had of their King. After mutual demands of each other's Nation they found themselves to be in Russia where Iuan Vasiliwich at that time reign'd Emperour. To whom privily the Governour of that place sending notice of the strange Guests that were arriv'd, held in the mean while our Men in what suspence he could. The Emperour well pleas'd with so unexpected a Message, invites them to his Court, offring them Posthorses at his own charge, or if the journey seem'd overlong, that they might freely traffick where they were. But 'ere this Messenger could return, having lost his way, the Muscovites themselves, loath that our men should depart which they made shew to doe, furnish't them with Guides and other Conveniences to bring them to their King's presence. Chancelor had now gon more than half his journey, when the Sled man sent to Court meets him on the way; delivers him the Emperour's Letters; which when the Russes understood, so willing they were to obey the Contents thereof, that they quarrell'd and strove who should have the preferment to put his Horses to the Sled. So after a long and troublesome journey of 1500 miles he arriv'd at Mosco. After he had remain'd in the City about 12 daies, a Messenger was sent to bring them to the King's House. Being enter'd within the Court Gates, and brought into an outward Chamber, they beheld there a very honourable company to the number of a hunder'd sitting all apparell'd in Cloth of gold down to their Ancles: next conducted to the Chamber of presence, there sate the Emperour on a lofty and very royal Throne; on his Head a Diadem of gold, his Robe all of Goldsmiths work, in his Hand a chrystal Sceptre garnish'd and beset with precious Stones; no less was his Countenance full of majesty. Beside him stood his chief Secretary; on his other side the great Commander of silence, both in Cloth of gold; then sate his Council of 150 round about on high Seats, clad all as richly. Chancelor nothing abash'd made his obeysance to the Emperour after the English manner. The Emperour having taken, and read his Letters, after some enquiry of King Edward's Health, invited them to dinner, and till then dismiss'd them. But before dismission the Secretary presented their Present bareheaded; till which time they were all cover'd; and before admittance our men had charge not to speak, but when the Emperour demanded ought. Having sat two hours in the Secretary's Chamber, they were at length call'd in to dinner; where the Emperour was set at Table, now in a Robe of silver, and another Crown on his Head. This place was call'd the golden Palace, but without cause, for the English men had seen many fairer; round about the room, but at distance, were other long Tables; in the midst a Cupboard of huge and massy goblets, and other Vessels of gold and silver; among the rest four great Flagons nigh two yards high, wrought in the top with devices of Towers and Dragons heads. The Guests ascended to their Tables by three steps; all apparell'd in Linnen, and that lin'd with rich Furrs. The Messes came in without order, but all in Chargers of gold, both to the Emperour, and to the rest that din'd there, which were two hundred persons; on every Board also were set Cups of gold without number. The Servitors one hundred and forty were likewise array'd in gold, and waited with Caps on their heads. They that are in high favour sit on the same Bench with the Emperour, but far off. Before Meat came in, according to the custom of their Kings, he sent to every Guest a slice of Bread; whom the Officer naming saith thus, Iohn Basiliwich Emperour of Russ, &c. doth reward thee with Bread, at which words all men stand up. Then were Swans in several pieces serv'd in, each piece in a several Dish, which the great Duke sends about as the Bread, and so likewise the Drink. In dinner time he twice chang'd his Crown, his Waiters thrice their Apparel; to whom the Emperour in like manner gives both Bread and Drink with his own hands; which they say is done to the intent that he may perfectly know his own Houshold; and indeed when dinner was done, he call'd his Nobles every one before him by name; and by this time Candles were brought in, for it grew dark; and the English departed to their Lodgings from dinner, an hour within night.
In the Year 1555.Hac. 258. 263. 465.Chancelor made another voiage to this Place with Letters from Queen Mary; had a House in Mosco, and Diet appointed him; and was soon admitted to the Emperour's presence in a large room spread with Carpets; at his entring and salutation all stood up, the Emperour onelyonly sitting, except when the Queen's name was read, or spoken; for then he himself would rise: at dinner he sate bareheaded; his Crown and rich Cap standing on a Pinacle by.286. Chancelor returning for England, Osep Napea Governour of Wologda came in his Ship Ambassadour from the Russe; but suffering shipwrack in Pettislego a Bay in Scotland, Chancelor who took more care to save the Ambassadour than himself was drown'd, the Ship rifled, and most of her lading made booty by the People thereabout.
In the Year 1557. Osep Napea returned into his Countrey with Antony Ienkinson who had the command of four tall Ships.310, &c. He reports of a Whirlpool between the Rost Islands and Lofoot call'd Malestrand; which from half ebb till half flood is heard to make so terrible a noise, as shakes the Door-rings of Houses in those Islands ten mile off; Whales that come within the Current thereof make a pittifull cry; Trees carried in and cast out again have the ends and boughs of them so beaten, as they seem like the stalks of bruized Hemp. About Zeinam they saw many Whales very monstrous hard by their Ships; whereof some by estimation sixty foot long; they roard hideously, it being then the time of their engendring. At Wardhouse, he saith, the Cattel are fed with Fish. Coming to Mosco, he found the Emperour sitting aloft in a Chair of state, richly crown'd, a Staff of gold in his hand wrought with costly stone. Distant from him sate his Brother, and a Youth the Emperour's Son of Casan whom the Russ had conquer'd; there din'd with him diverse Ambassadours, Christian and Heathen, diversely apparell'd; his Brother with some of the chief Nobles sate with him at Table: the Guests were in all six hundred. In dinner time came in six Musicians; and standing in the midst, sung three several times, but with little or no delight to our men; there din'd at the same time in other Halls two thousand Tartars who came to serve the Duke in his Wars. The English were set at a small Table by themselves direct before the Emperour; who sent them diverse Bowles of Wine and Meath and many Dishes from his own hand: the Messes were but mean, but the change of Wines and several Meaths were wonderfull. As oft as they din'd with the Emperour, he sent for them in the Morning, and invited them with his own mouth. On Christmass day being invited,317. they had for other provision as before; but for store of gold and silver Plate excessive; among which were twelve Barrels of silver, hoop'd with fine gold containing twelve gallons apiece.
1560. Was the first English traffick to the Narve in Livonia, till then conceal'd by Danskers and Lubeckers.
1561. The same Antony Ienkinson made another voiage to Mosco; and arriv'd while the Emperour was celebrating his marriage with a Circassian Lady; during which time the City Gates for three daies were kept shut; and all men whatsoever straitly commanded to keep within their Houses; except some of his Houshold; the cause whereof is not known.
1566. He made again the same voiage;311. which now men usually made in a month from London to Saint Nicholas with good Windes, being seven hundred and fifty leagues.
1568. Thomas Randolf, Esq went Embassadour to Muscovy, 373.from Queen Elizabeth; and in his passage by Sea met nothing remarkable save great store of Whales, whom they might see engendring together, and the Sperma-ceti swimming on the Water. At Colmogro he was met by a Gentleman from the Emperour, at whose charge he was conducted to Mosco: but met there by no man; not so much as the English; lodg'd in a fair House built for Ambassadours; but there confin'd upon some suspicion which the Emperour had conceav'd; sent for at length after seventeen weeks delay, was fain to ride thither on a borrow'd Horse, his men on foot. In a Chamber before the presence were sitting about three hundred Persons, all in rich Robes taken out of the Emperour's Wardrobe for that day; they sate on three ranks of Benches, rather for shew than that the Persons were of honour; being Merchants, and other mean Inhabitants. The Ambassadour saluted them, but by them unsaluted pass'd on with his Head cover'd. At the Presence door being receiv'd by two which had been his Guardians, and brought into the midst, he was there will'd to stand still, and speak his message from the Queen; at whose name the Emperour stood up, and demanded her health: then giving the Ambassadour his Hand to kiss fell to many questions. The Present being deliver'd, which was a great silver Bowle curiously grav'n, the Emperour told him, he din'd not that day openly because of great Affairs; but, saith he, I will send thee my Dinner, and augment thy Allowance. And so dismissing him, sent a Duke richly apparell'd soon after to his Lodging with fifty Persons each of them carrying Meat in silver Dishes cover'd; which himself deliver'd into the Ambassadour's own hands tasting first of every Dish, and every sort of Drink; that done, set him down with his Company, took part, and went not thence unrewarded. The Emperour sent back with this Ambassadour another of his own call'd Andrew Savin.
1571. Ienkinson made a third voiage; but was staid long at Colmogro by reason of the Plague in those Parts; at length had audience where the Court then was, near to Pereslave; to which place the Emperour was return'd from his Swedish War with ill success: and Mosco the same year had been wholly burnt by the Crim; in it the English House, and diverse English were smother'd in the Sellars, multitudes of People in the City perish'd, all that were young led captive with exceeding spoil.
1583.Hac. vol. 1. Iuan Basiliwich having the year before sent his Ambassadour Pheodor Andrewich about matters of Commerce,458. the Queen made choice of Sir Ierom Bowes, one of her houshold, to go into Russia; who being attended with more than forty persons, and accompanied with the Russe returning home, arriv'd at St. Nicolas. The Dutch by this time had intruded into the Muscovy-Trade; which by privilege long before had been granted solely to the English; and had corrupted to their side Shalkan the Chancellor, with others of the great ones; who so wrought, that a creature of their own was sent to meet Sir Ierom at Colmogro, and to offer him occasions of dislike: Until at Vologda he was receiv'd by another from the Emperour; and at Yeraslave by a Duke well accompanied, who presented him with a Coach and ten Geldings. Two miles from Mosco met him four Gentlemen with Two hundred Horse, who after short salutation, told him what they had to say from the Emperour, willing him to alight, which the Ambassadour soon refus'd, unless they also lighted; whereon they stood long debating; at length agreed, great dispute follow'd, whose foot should first touch the ground. Their Message deliver'd, and then embracing, they conducted the Ambassador to a house at Mosco, built for him purposely. At his going to Court he and his followers honourably mounted and apparell'd, the Emperour's Guard were set on either side all the way about 6000 shot. At the Court-gate met him four Noblemen in Cloth of Gold, and rich Furr-Caps, embroider'd with Pearl and Stone; then four others of greater degree, in which passage there stood along the Walls, and sate on Benches seven or eight hundred men in colour'd Sattins and Gold. At the Presence-dore met him the chief Herald, and with him all the great Officers of Court, who brought him where the Emperour sate: there were set by him three Crowns of Muscovy, Cazan and Astracan; on each side stood two young Noblemen, costly apparell'd in White; each of them had a broad Axe on his shoulder; on the Benches round sate above a hundred Noblemen. Having giv'n the Ambassadour his hand to kiss, and enquir'd of the Queens Health, he will'd him to go sit in the place provided for him, nigh ten paces distant; from thence to send him the Queens Letters and Present. Which the Ambassadour thinking not reasonable, step'd forward; but the Chancellor meeting him, would have tak'n his Letters; to whom the Ambassadour said, that the Queen had directed no Letters to him; and so went on and deliver'd them to the Emperour's own hands; and after a short withdrawing into the Council-Chamber, where he had Conference with some of the Council, he was call'd in to dinner: about the midst whereof, the Emperour standing up, drank a deep Carouse to the Queens Health, and sent to the Ambassadour a great Bowl of Rhenish-Wine to pledge him. But at several times being call'd for to treat about Affairs, and not yielding ought beyond his Commission, the Emperour not wont to be gain-say'd, one day especially broke into passion, and with a stern countenance told him, he did not reckon the Queen to be his fellow; for there are, quoth he, her betters. The Ambassadour not holding it his part, whatever danger might ensue, to hear any derogate from the Majesty of his Prince, with like courage and countenance told him, that the Queen was equal to any in Christendom who thought himself greatest; and wanted not means to offend her Enemies whomsoever. Yea, quoth he, what saist thou of the French and Spanish Kings? I hold her, quoth the Ambassadour, equal to either. Then what to the German Emperour? Her Father, quoth he, had the Emperour in his pay. This answer mislik'd the Duke so far, as that he told him, were he not an Ambassadour, he would throw him out of doors. You may, said the Ambassadour, doe your will, for I am now fast in your Countrey; but the Queen I doubt not will know how to be reveng'd of any injury offer'd to her Ambassadour. Whereat the Emperour in great sudden bid him get home; and he with no more reverence than such usage requir'd, saluted the Emperour, and went his way. Notwithstanding this, the Muscovite, soon as his mood left him, spake to them that stood by, many praises of the Ambassadour, wishing he had such a Servant, and presently after sent his chief Secretary to tell him that whatever had pass'd in words, yet for his great respect to the Queen, he would shortly after dispatch him with honour and full contentment, and in the mean while he much enlarg'd his entertainment. He also desir'd that the Points of our Religion might be set down, and caus'd them to be read to his Nobility with much approbation. And as the year before he had sought in marriage the Lady Mary Hastings, which took not effect, the Lady and her Friends excusing it, he now again renu'd the motion to take to wife some one of the Queen's Kinswomen either by sending an Embassage, or going himself with his Treasure into England. Now happy was that Nobleman whom Sir Ierom Bowes in publick favour'd; unhappy they who had oppos'd him: for the Emperour, had beaten Shalkan the Chancelour very grievously for that cause, and threatn'd not to leave one of his race alive. But the Emperour dying soon after of a Surfeit, Shalkan to whom then almost the whole Government was committed, caus'd the Ambassadour to remain close Prisoner in his House nine weeks. Being sent for at length to have his dispatch, and slightly enough conducted to the Council Chamber, he was told by Shalkan that this Emperour would condescend to no other agreements than were between his Father and the Queen before his coming: and so disarming both him and his Company, brought them to the Emperour with many affronts in their passage, for which there was no help but patience. The Emperour saying but over what the Chancelour had said before, offer'd him a Letter for the Queen: which the Ambassadour, knowing it contain'd nothing to the purpose of his Embassy, refus'd, till he saw his danger grow too great; nor was he suffer'd to reply, or have his Interpreter. Shalkan sent him word that now the English Emperour was dead; and hasten'd his departure, but with so many disgraces put upon him, as made him fear some mischief in his journey to the Sea; having onelyonly one mean Gentleman sent with him to be his Convoy; he commanded the English Merchants in the Queen's name to accompany him, but such was his danger, that they durst not. So arming himself and his Followers in the best wise he could, against any outrage, he at length recover'd the Shoar of Saint Nicholas. Where he now resolv'd to send them back by his Conduct some of the affronts which he had receiv'd. Ready therefore to take Ship, he causes three or four of his valientest and discreetest men to take the Emperour's Letter, and disgracefull Present, and to deliver it, or leave it at the Lodging of his Convoy, which they safely did; though follow'd with a great Tumult of such as would have forc'd them to take it back.
1584. At the Coronation of Pheodor the Emperour▪ Ierom Horsey being then Agent in Russia, and call'd for to court with one Iohn de Wale a Merchant of the Netherlands and a Subject of Spain, some of the Nobles would have preferr'd the Fleming before the English. But to that our Agent would in no case agree, saying he would rather have his Leggs cut off by the Knees, then bring his present in course after a Subject of Spain. The Emperour and Prince Boris perceiving the controversy, gave order to admit Horsey first: who was dismiss'd with large Promises, and seventy Messes with three Carts of several Meath sent after him.
1588. Dr. Giles Fletcher went Ambassadour from the Queen to Pheodor then Emperour; whose Relations being judicious and exact are best red entirely by themselves.508. This Emperour upon report of the great learning of Iohn Dee the Mathematician invited him to Mosco with offer of two thousand pound a year, and from Prince Boris one thousand Marks; to have his Provision from the Emperour's Table, to be honourably receiv'd, and accounted as one of the chief men in the Land. All which Dee accepted not.
1604. Sir Thomas Smith was sent Ambassadour from King Iames to Boris then Emperour; and staid some daies at a place five miles from Mosco till he was honourably receiv'd into the City; met on horseback by many thousands of Gentlemen and Nobles on both sides the way; where the Ambassadour alighting from his Coach and mounted on his Horse, rode with his Trumpets sounding before him; till a Gentleman of the Emperour's Stable brought him a Gennet gorgeously trapt with gold, pearl and stone, especially with a great Chain of plated gold about his Neck, and Horses richly adorn'd for his Followrs. Then came three great Noblemen with an Interpreter offring a Speech; but the Ambassadour deeming it to be ceremony, with a brief Complement found means to put it by. Thus alighting all, they saluted, and gave hands mutually. Those three after a tedious preamble of the Emperour's Title thrice repeated brought a several Complement of three words apiece, as namely, the first, to know how the King did, the next, how the Ambassadour, the third, that there was a fair House provided him. Then on they went on either hand of the Ambassadour, and about six thousand Gallants behind them; still met within the City by more of greater quality to the very Gate of his lodging: where fifty Gunners were his daily Guard both at home and abroad. The Prestaves or Gentlemen assign'd to have the care of his entertainment, were earnest to have had the Ambassadour's Speech and Message given them in writing, that the Interpreter, as they pretended, might the better translate it; but he admonish'd them of their foolish demand. On the day of his audience other Gennets were sent him and his Attendants to ride on, and two white Palfreys to draw a rich Chariot, which was parcel of the Present; the rest whereof was carried by his Followers through a lane of the Emperour's Guard; many Messengers posting up and down the while, till they came through the great Castle, to the uttermost Court gate. There met by a great Duke they were brought up stairs through a Stone-gallery, where stood on each hand many in fair Coats of Persian Stuff, Velvet and Damask. The Ambassadour by two other Counselours being led into the presence, after his obeysance done, was to stay and hear again the long Title repeated; then the particular Presents; and so deliver'd as much of his Embassage as was then requisite. After which the Emperour arising from his Throne demandeth of the King's health; so did the young Prince. The Ambassadour then deliver'd his Letters into the Emperour's own hand, though the Chancelour offer'd to have taken them. He bore the Majesty of a mighty Emperour; his Crown and Sceptre of pure gold, a Collar of Pearls about his Neck, his Garment of crimson Velvet embroider'd with precious stone and gold. On his right Side stood a fair Globe of beaten gold on a Pyramis with a Cross upon it … to which, before he spake, turning a little he crost himself. Not much less in splendour on another Throne sate the Prince. By the Emperour stood two Noblemen in Cloth of silver, high Caps of black Furr, and Chains of gold hanging to their Feet; on their Shoulders two Poleaxes of gold; and two of silver by the Prince; the ground was all cover'd with Arras or Tapistry-Dismist, and brought in again to dinner they saw the Emperour and his Son seated in state, ready to dine; each with a Skull of Pearl on their bare Heads, their Vestments chang'd. In the midst of this Hall seem'd to stand a Pillar heap'd round to a great height with massy Plate curiously wrought with Beasts, Fishes and Fowl. The Emperour's Table was serv'd with two hundred Noblemen in Coats of gold; the Princes Table with young Dukes of Casan, Astracan, Siberia, Tartaria and Circassia. The Emperour sent from his Table to the Ambassadour, thirty Dishes of Meat, to each a Loaf of extraordinary fine Bread. Then follow'd a number more of strange and rare Dishes …il'd up by half dozens, with boyl'd, roast and bak't, most part of them besawc'd with Garlick and Onions. In midst of dinner calling the Ambassadour up to him he drank the King's health, who receiving it from his hand, return'd to his place, and in the same Cup being of fair Chrystal pledg'd it with all his Company. After dinner they were call'd up to drink of excellent and strong Meath from the Emperour's hand; of which when many did but sip, he urg'd it not; saying he was best pleas'd with what was most for their health. Yet after that, the same day he sent a great and glorious Duke, one of them that held the golden Poleax, with his Retinue, and sundry sorts of Meath to drink merrily with the Ambassadour, which some of the English did, untill the Duke and his Followers light-headed, but well rewarded with thirty yards of Cloth of gold, and two standing Cups, departed. At second audience the Ambassadour had like reception as before: and being dismiss'd had dinner sent after him with three hundred several Dishes of Fish, it being Lent, of such strangeness, greatness and goodness as scarce would be credible to report. The Ambassadour departing was brought a mile out of the City with like honour as he was first met; where lighting from the Emperour's Sled, he took him to his Coach, made fast upon a Sled; the rest to their Sleds an easy and pleasant passage.
Names of the Authours from whence these Relations have been taken; being all either Eye-witnesses, or immediate Relaters from such as were.
THE Iournal of Sir Hugh Willowby.
Discourse of Richard Chancelor.
Another of Clement Adams taken from the mouth of Chancelor.
Notes of Richard Johnson. Servant to Chancelor.
The Protonotaries Register.
Two Letters of Mr. Hen. Lane.
The several Voiages of Jenkinson.
Southam and Sparks.
The Iournal of Randolf the Embass.
Another of Sir Jerom Bowes.
The Coronation of Pheodor written by Jerom Horsey.
Gourdon of Hull's Voiage to Pechora.
The Voiage of William Pursglove, to Pechora.
Of Josias Logan.
Hessel Gerardus, out of Purchas, part 3. l. 3.
Russian Relations in Purch. 797. ibid. 806. ibid.
The Embassage of Sir Thomas Smith.
Papers of Mr. Hackluit.
Jansonius.
The End.
End of the text · John Milton, A Brief History of Moscovia and Other Countries (1682)