Chapter M (1)

_Maenduara_, Thinking. _Mano_, Dying. _Maramonbanga_, Warring. _Mayaoca_, Dividing. _Mba-eraca_, Buying. _Mbacu_, Eating. _Meenga_, Delivering. _Menbirara_, Barring. _Moaibaba_, Bewitching, _or_ Preventing. _Mongueba_, Putting out. _Moanga_, Thinking. _Moaquima_, Making wet. _Mobibua_, Sowing. _Moete_, Praising, _or_ Honoring. _Moendi_, Setting on fire. _Mogiba_, Boyling. _Mogyco_, Polishing. _Momiya_, Moving. _Momita_, Lodging. _Monberaba_, Bruising. _Monbeu_, Delivering of a Message. _Monbuca_, To bore through. _Monbuja_, Boring. _Mondoca_, To cut, take away, _or_ cleave asunder. _Mondoroca_, Breaking. _Monguy_, Grinding. _Monguya_, Making loose. _Monhanga_, Doing. _Moperua_, Being cold. _Mopotaya_, Buttoning. _Moriba_, Consenting. _Moropiana_, Changing. _Moeyeceara_, Mixing.

N.

_Nheangeru_, Sighing. _Nheenga_, Speaking. _Nhemboe_, Learning. _Nhengara_, Singing.

P.

_Paepua_, Answering. _Paraboca_, Chusing. _Paronduba_, Enquiring. _Pea_, Abstaining. _Pitu_, Remaining. _Pitanga rempi_, To cast off. _Pitera_, Kissing. _Pitibo_, Helping. _Aittiba_, Anointing. _Poacema_, Mourning. _Pobana_, Spinning. _Pocuaba_, To use. _Pocaucuba_, Dreaming. _Porabiqui_, Working. _Porara_, Lying. _Potareima_, Refusing. _Potara_, Desiring. _Puama_, Rising. _Puaya_, Commanding. _Puca_, Laughing. _Pura_, Using.

Q.

_Quera_, Sleeping. _Querara_, Waking.

R.

_Raba_, Untying. _Qereco_, Having. _Rura_, Coming.

T.

_Tara_, Catching. _Tecobe_, Living. _Tiguioca_, Bleeding. _Tiu_, Disgracing. _Tima_, Ploughing, Warring, _or_ Burying.

Y.

_Yaceo_, Crying. _Yeaoboca_, Pulling off. _Yeupira_, Climbing. _Yuca_, Killing.

These are of the most usual words of the general Language in _Brasile_, besides which every distinct Tribe or Division of People hath its peculiar Tongue, as hath been said, of which the chiefest and most eminent are the _Tupinambu_, _Tabaiaras_, _Potigi-iguaras_, _Marhuites_, _Waimoores_, _Tomonimenos_, _Waitaquazes_, _Wainasses_, _Topinaques_, _Pories_, _Molopaques_, _Motaias_, _Biheros_, _Wainawasons_, _Tamoies_, _Tocomans_, and the _Cariogs_; of all which the _Tupinambu_ are the most comely, especially their Women, which (according to the testimony of the aforesaid _Emanuel Moraes_, an Eye-witness) may stand in competition with the _European_ Beauties. These Women accompany their Husbands when they go into the Wars, and carry their Provisions, especially store of Tobacco. In the Lips both of the Men and Women hang little Stones. The Men take as many Wives as they please; and amongst the generality of the fore-mention’d Nations, there is scarce any sign of Religion to be discern’d.

[Sidenote: The _Tobaras_ and _Potigi-iguaras_.]

The _Tobaras_ are accounted the best Horsemen; but in Singing and Discourse, the _Potigi-iguaras_ exceed all the other _Brasilians_: They place twenty or thirty Singers in a Row, which observing Time, Sing the Transactions of their Predecessors with good Voices.

[Sidenote: The _Waimoores_.]

The _Waimoores_ are a strong People that inhabit the large Tract of Land between _Bahia_ and _Isleos_, and having well timber’d Bodies, can keep pace with a Horse running full speed. Five or six of them often set upon a Sugar-Mill, though a hundred Men be at work in the same: They are all over bedaub’d with Dirt, because they lie like Beasts on the Ground: They wear long Hair, and have no certain Abodes.

[Sidenote: The _Tomonimenos_.]

The _Tomonimenos_, living about _Spirito Santo_, are more civilis’d; they make Walls of Stone about their Huts; and these Walls are full of Holes, through which they shoot Arrows at those that Invade them; their Bodies are Painted red and black, and cover’d with Feathers. The _Portuguese_ taking sixteen thousand of them Prisoners at once, kill’d most of them, and destroy’d the Countrey all along the River _Paraiva_.

[Sidenote: The _Waitaquazes_.]

At the South and North Point of _Cape Frio_ dwell the _Waitaquazes_, bigger and stronger than the _Waimoores_; and they also sleep like Hogs on the Ground about a Fire, hold all People for their Enemies, and their Flesh for the greatest Dainty. The Women Arm’d with Bowes and Arrows stand by their Husbands in Battel.

[Sidenote: The _Wainasses_.]

[Sidenote: The Description of the Plant _Vruca_.]

On _Isla Grande_ reside the _Wainasses_, a little People, which have very long Bellies, go stark naked, shave the Crown of their Heads, and let the other part of their Hair hang down long on their Shoulders. The Women, which are of gross Bodies, colour themselves Red with _Vruca_, which is a wild Plant, but much us’d amongst them: the Kernels are inclos’d in Husks full of red Fibres. These Kernels are not onely mix’d with the other Ingredients of the _Chocaletta_ Drink, but also us’d to Dye of a red Colour: The Wood of this Plant is very white, and the Bark grey, like the Hazle; the Leaves being of a deep Green, resemble a Heart; at the end of the Boughs grow several Blossoms, each as big as a Rose, consisting of five Leaves, partly red and partly white, in the middle whereof are yellowish Threds with purple Points, which give little or no smell: after the Flower follows the Fruit, two Fingers long; when it begins to be ripe it grows still redder and redder, each Cod containing thirty or forty round Kernels, which being touch’d leave a red tincture upon the Fingers; the Cod when ripe opens of it self, and shews the Kernels speckled white, which dry’d, pounded, and mix’d with Piss, Dye so strong a Red, that Linnen dipt into the same will never receive any other Colour. This Root also boyl’d in Broth, makes it not onely red, but gives it a pleasant taste.

[Sidenote: The _Topinaques_.]

The _Topinaques_, which dwell about _St. Vincent_, are a strong and gross People, go stark naked both Men and Women: when they kill any of their Enemies they Paint themselves with the Fruit _Janipano_, put a great Plume of Feathers on their Head, and two Sticks in their Mouths, Dancing with strange motions of the Body, inclining sometimes towards the right, and sometimes towards the left side, for three day together; during which time they drink a filthy kind of Liquor. The Women, who have well proportion’d Bodies, onely covering their Heads with a Cap, about which they tie a bread of Hair, to which a square Basket being fastned, hangs below their Backs when they travel.

[Sidenote: The _Pories_.]

The Mountains along the Ocean, which inclose much Gold, are inhabited by the _Pories_, a peaceable People, molesting none of their Neighbors; they sleep in Nets of Flags, and have no other Houses than three Poles plac’d triangular, and cover’d with Palm-Leaves; they feed on Pine-Nuts and _Eyrires_, Apples that have Shells like a Walnut, and have also the precious Balsam-Oyl in great abundance.

[Sidenote: The _Molopaques_.]

Along the River _Paradiva_ inhabit the _Molopaques_; the Men strong and well timber’d, have Beards long enough to cover their Privities. The Women also fair, modest, prudent, and never laughing, tie their Hair, painted with several colours, round about their Middle with a Cord, so that it serves in stead of an Apron. They observe a set-hour for Dinner and Supper, which is not us’d by any other _Brasilians_. The Mountains in these Parts consisting of a black Mold, have plenty of Gold, but it is of no esteem or regard amongst them, onely that which is wash’d down by the Rain they gather up, but put to no other use than to make Hooks to hang their Nets on.

[Sidenote: The _Motayas_.]

The _Motayas_, being of a low Stature and brown Complexion, shave off the Hair of their Heads, or else pluck it up by the Roots; they are eaters of Man’s-flesh.

Not far from whose Dominions appear the Mountains _Pinos_ up in the Countrey, which abounding with Gold and Precious Stones, are inhabited by the _Biheros_, otherwise call’d _Lopos_, which live under the Trees like Beasts.

[Sidenote: The _Waianawasons_.]

[Sidenote: The _Tamoyes_.]

The _Waianawasons_ have little Villages, built along a nameless River; they are a Gigantick People, but very ignorant. Thirteen _Portuguese_ undertaking some years ago to travel through this Countrey to the South Sea, found on some Mountains abundance of Gold and Precious Stones; and amongst many strange things they saw a Crystal Mountain ten days before they came near it, over which they could not travel because of its steepness; at the foot thereof sprung a broad Stream, making a great noise. From thence travelling forward, they came to the _Tamoyes_ Countrey, the Men whereof, being well proportion’d, wore great Bunches of Feathers on their Heads: The Women, exceeding fair, had carv’d Breasts. The said _Portuguese_ being taken here, were put into Prison, and all slain and eaten, excepting one, who escap’d after this manner: Thirty thousand _Tamoyes_ falling into the Countrey of the _Amazons_, by the _Americans_ call’d _Mandiocuysyams_, made a great Feast with three hundred of them, whilest the rest fled to the River _La Plata_, where they got help from the _Portuguese_, who kill’d ten thousand of the _Tamoyes_, made the rest Slaves, and releas’d their imprison’d Countreyman.

[Sidenote: The _Tocomans_, _Caryogs_, and _Maraquites_.]

The _Tocomans_, a little People, dwell between _La Plata_ and _St. Vincent_.

The _Caryogs_ possess much Gold and Precious Stones.

The _Maraquites_, by the Western _Indians_ sur-named _Tapuiyers_, that is, _Wild People_, are divided into seventy six sorts, all differing in their Languages; amongst which the chiefest are the _Arodera_, _Cajau_, _Maquaru_, and _Poyme_, which all live without Law, Religion, setled Abodes, or Friendship with any Neighbors; and the Women Fight as well as the Men. _Jacob Rabbi_, who dwelt a considerable time, and convers’d amongst these People, describes their Customs thus:

[Sidenote: Their Customs describ’d.]

“Their King _Jandui_, sir-named _Otshicayayna_, from the River which flows through the Countrey of the _Tapuyans_, causes (it he thinks fit) to be publish’d through the whole Camp of the Enemy, whither he will go the next Morning, and what he will do all the Day following, having first consulted with his Council of Sorcerers. Before they march they wash their Bodies in the River; rub themselves all over with Sand, and afterwards wash it off again, then stretch themselves till all their Joynts crack, run to the Fire, and when throughly warm, scratch their Bodies with certain Fish-Teeth, insomuch that the Blood gushes out of several places, all which they judge to be good against wearisomness. About a Stones-cast from the King’s Tent lie two thick Logs, a large Stride one from the other, against which the whole Multitude stand divided into two Parties, each of whom chuse the strongest Man accounted amongst them to carry the Log for a Wager, and when these two are tir’d, they are releas’d by others, and he that comes last to the appointed place with the Log, is laugh’d at by the Party to which he belong’d that was there first, where they all stay for the Youths that bring their Arms, which when they have deliver’d, they all fall to work, cutting down Trees, breaking off the Boughs, sticking them in the Ground, and tying them together on the top for Tents, which are built in rows one against another, leaving a broad Path between. Mean while the Women and Children coming with their Baggage, the Men run to Fish and Hunt, or to seek Honey. The old Women dig up Roots, which stamp’d serve them for Bread, whilest the young Women help one another to prepare the Meat in the Huts. Moreover the Men spend their time in several Exercises, as Wrestling and Running, of which two Women, appointed for that purpose, are the Judges. When the Evening draws on upon them, then the Youths dividing themselves into Companies, go Singing from one Tent to another, and are follow’d by the Maids Dancing and Leaping, every one standing behind him whom she loves best; and this is look’d upon as a singular sign of affection. When a young Man is inclin’d to Marry, he carries Honey and Venison to his Mistresses Father, who if he hath more than one Daughter acquaints the Soothsayers with it, who inform the King concerning it; he then causes all the young Men and Maids to be call’d together out of the Camp, sends them into the Woods to Hunt out a wild Beast, which they no sooner see, but they return and acquaint the Multitude therewith, who immediately surrounding the Place, soon catch the Beast, whose Entrails they pull out and throw to the Dogs, and give the Flesh to the Women to roast, which when ready they make merry with, Singing and Dancing after they have eaten; then if the Youth hath behav’d himself well in pursuing of the wild Beast, the King grants him the Maid which he desires for his Wife: Four days before the Wedding they bore a Hole through each of the Bridegrooms Cheeks with a sharp piece of Wood, which done they solemnize the Marriage; at which the King himself distributes the Meat to every Guest as he thinks fit; after Dinner they extol the Mothers Care, in preserving her Daughters Virginity for the Bridegroom in strange Songs. If a Maid be Marriageable, and no Suitor comes to her, then the Mother draws red Strokes under her Eyes, and conducts her to the King, who sets the Maid down by him on a Mat, warms his Hands against the Fire, then stroaks himself and the Maid, and also blows Tobacco-Smoak on her and himself, which done, he performs the part of a Husband with her. But their making Holes through their Ears and Lips is done whilest they are Children, after this manner: The Boys who undergo this Ceremony, come to the Place appointed, where the whole Multitude Dance and Sing, and the Conjurers (who are the onely Priests they have) sit in two rows opposite to one another; one of them starting up, takes a Boy by the Head, ties him Hand and Foot that he cannot stir at all; which done, a second Sorcerer comes to his assistance, and with a sharp-pointed Stick bores Holes through his Ears and Lips, whilest the Mother of the Boy makes a sad Lamentation. Women refuse to have any familiarity with their Husbands as soon as they perceive themselves to be with Child; and as soon as any Woman is Deliver’d, she runs into a neighboring Wood, where with a Shell she cuts off the Childs Navel, which boyling she eats with the After-birth; then washes her self and the Child every Morning and Evening in cold Water; as long as she gives Suck her Husband lies not with her, unless it be a Man that hath but one Wife. If a Woman commit Adultery, her Husband beats her out of his House, but if he takes her in the Act, it is lawful for him to kill both. In the middle of the King’s Tent stands a great _Calabash_ full of Stones call’d _Kehnturah_, cover’d with the corner of a Mat, which none dares approach without the King’s leave, unless it be to smoak the same with Tobacco, or to lay Venison or Honey before it.”

[Sidenote: Strange manner of curing the Sick amongst the _Tapuyans_.]

It is also remarkable how the Sorcerers deal with their Sick; the aforesaid _Jacob Rabbi_, in Eye-witness relates, That the King _Drarugh_ being extreamly troubled with pains in his Sides and Legs, and finding no help amongst his Sorcerers, who pretended to be Physicians, went to the neighboring King of the _Tapuyans_, where three undertook to cure him, which they did after this manner: One of them blew Tobacco-smoak on his Body, suck’d his Knees, roar’d like a Lyon, and after much ado vomited a little Eel into his Hand, which he pretended had put the King to so much pain; whilest the second suck’d his Belly, and also roar’d exceedingly, and vomited forth at last a Stone, on which appear’d a Rose; the third suck’d his left Side, till he vomited something like a Root; after which the King is said immediately to have recover’d.

[Sidenote: Their Feasting in honor of the Stars.]

There is but little Ceremony of Religion to be found amongst the _Tapuyans_, onely they shew Reverence to the Seven-stars when the Fruits of the Field are ripe, after this manner: First they spend three days in Dancing and Singing, then the Youths prepare themselves to Fight with Lances and Clubs, tie tough Twigs about their Legs, pour Honey on their Heads, tie their Hair behind in Knots after it is powder’d with red Powder, Paint their Faces and Bodies with several Colours, stick a long Feather in their Necks betwixt their Hair, and on their Heads set Garlands of red Feathers pleited, down their Backs hang Bundles of Branches like Tails, and have their Arms adorn’d with the Wings of the Bird _Kosetug_; thus dress’d they fight three days, at the end whereof the Conquerors shew great joy.

It deserves special observation what the Learned _Gerard Vossius_ relates of them from the Mouth of _Christopher Arcisseusky_, a _Polish_ Nobleman, famous for his heroick Exploits for the _United Netherlands_ in _Brasile_.

[Sidenote: _Arcisseusky_’s Relation of the Manners of the new Married.]

“The _Tapuyans_ (saith he) are a People that range up and down, never staying long in one place, between _Siara_ and _Meranthon_, a vast Tract of Land, and go almost naked, having onely a slight Covering about their Middle. When the _Hollanders_ gave them Clothes, they admir’d the strange Fashion thereof, and after two days return’d them again: In their Lips, Nostrils, Ears and Cheeks they hung Ornamentals of Wood, Bones, Feathers, or Stones; a great Club, and a strong Bowe made of hard Wood serve them for Arms; Gold and Silver they esteem’d not, wherefore they barter’d whole Chests full (buried there by the _Portuguese_ and discover’d by them) with the _Hollanders_ for Greyhounds: They judge themselves to be better than other Man-eaters, because they eat not the Flesh of their Enemies, but of their own Relations, and those neither kill’d in the Wars, nor dying a natural Death; by which they pretend to express their exceeding love to the Deceased, who else would, say they, be eaten by the Worms and rot, wherefore they rather chuse to eat them, that they may receive the nourishment themselves.”

The same Author relates also, That he saw a _Tapuyan_ yield up the Ghost not far from the Castle _Rio Grande_, after which his nearest Relations taking the Body, wash’d the same, together with the Entrails, and cutting the Corps into several pieces, roasted the same on a Spit, preserving the Fat that dropt from it in Pans, and eat the Flesh with a greedy Appetite. None were admitted to this Feast but his chief Relations; and that which they could not eat, as the Hair, Teeth, Nails, and Bones, they burnt to Ashes, which gathering up they mix’d with their Liquor till it was all drunk up.

[Sidenote: The Religion of the _Tapuyans_.]

The _Tapuyans_ acknowledge two Deities, the one good and the other bad; to the good they shew no Reverence, because, say they, he is bountiful of himself, and doth them no hurt; whereas on the contrary they zealously call upon their Devil-Deity, because they think he destroys all those who worship him not.

[Sidenote: Their foretelling of things to come.]

They never Travel nor go to War before they have consulted with their angry God, and that not without great Ceremonies; whereupon they ascribe to themselves the knowledge of future things; and indeed they often foretel future things which are beyond humane apprehension; as a testimony whereof that may serve which _Sapo Amama_, a _Friezland_ Gentleman, found by experience: for he keeping Guard before _Conjahu_ with a Troop of Horse against the _Portuguese_, had several _Tapuyans_ in his Service, who foretold, That the following day the Lieutenant _Amama_ and a Trooper should be kill’d by a Shot from a great Gun; which, though slighted, was confirm’d by the exact fulfilling of the Prediction. The like Passages hapned daily, and amongst many _Arcisseusky_ relates one very remarkable Accident, _viz._ He remov’d a considerable number of Men of the Garrison _Rio Grande_, to surprize the _Spanish_ Fort _Barra-Canium_, and nothing could more promote the Design than secrecy; but fifty _Tapuyans_ having joyn’d with the _Hollanders_, _Arcisseusky_ fear’d they might discover his Plot, wherefore he charg’d them that they should not stir a foot from his Company, which they accordingly promis’d, and having march’d three days through By-ways, they daily perform’d their Devotion in open view, and _Arcisseusky_ desir’d that they would call him when their Devil appear’d, which they granted, on promise that he should not do him any hurt: On the third day the Army being sufficiently refresh’d, he being call’d, found the _Tapuyans_ sitting in a Semi-Circle, with their Feet spread asunder; opposite to them sat their Priest on the Ground, whom they ask’d concerning all manner of Affairs, and he question’d them again, on which they gave their several Answers, but could not be understood for want of Interpreters, for those whom the _Hollanders_ us’d spake only two Languages, one of which is us’d commonly by the _Brasilians_ along the Sea-Coast, and the other by the _Portuguese_, in which they Interpreted to the _Hollanders_ as much as possibly they could understand of what the _Tapuyans_ said, whose Language differs very much from the vulgar _Brasile_ Tongue, because they live up in the Inland, and are divided into divers Tribes, so that the Interpreters could not understand the _Tapuyans_, but judg’d their meaning more by nodding of the Head, and the like signs: after the Assembly had done speaking, the Priest rose up and went out of their sights into the Wood, where with a loud voice he call’d three times upon the Devil; but he not answering, the Priest return’d to his Company, who began their Questions and Answers afresh, which could not be understood by the Interpreters; and soon after the Priest (seeming to be commanded by the rest) went again to the Wood, but calling still in vain, return’d; then going a third time, and calling as before, was by a small, but shrill Voice, answer’d from the middle of the Wood, from which the _Tapuyans_ concluded that their Business would come to perfection, and that the Devil would soon appear to them: The Priest hereupon going backwards and forwards three times one after another to his Company, they began to talk as before; at last going into the Wood again, they all spoke louder, and with more vehemency than before, whilest the fore-mention’d shrill Voice approached nearer and nearer, and at last the supposed _Dæmon_ came forth with the Priest, who commanded him to sit opposite to the Congregation, which had a great deal of Discourse, and sometimes the Priest speaking was answer’d by the Devil in his shrill Voice; but some of the People calling aloud, catch’d up their Arms, and threatned to beat the Devil, as they often us’d to do upon the like occasions. At the departure of the _Dæmon_, the Multitude conducted by the Priest into the Wood, cry’d out in so terrible a manner, that they affrighted the _Hollanders_, who judg’d it rather to be Lyons and Tygers that roar’d than Men. During these Transactions, a _German_ Soldier in the Rere quitted his Arms and fled, but being miss’d was pursu’d, found in a Hedge, and laid Hold on as a Person suspected to carry Advice to the _Spaniards_, and being brought before _Arcisseusky_ and Examined, gave such ridiculous Answers as increas’d the suspicion, insomuch that he was led to a Tree to be tortur’d; where as he stood ty’d he solemnly declar’d, That the reason of his running away, was because he had not Pray’d in ten years, so that he was exceedingly afraid, lest when he saw the Devil amongst the _Tapuyans_, he would have known him, and carry’d him away to the Place prepar’d for all such Wretches.

[Sidenote: The Imposture.]

The Learned _Gerard Vossius_ made a particular Enquiry after this Story, whether the Spirit’s appearance were a Reality, or an Imposture; and the truth is it was no better than a subtile Cheat, and so it was apprehended by _Arcisseusky_, who not long after, on a convenient time, ask’d the _Tapuyans_ why they feign’d him to be a Devil that was a Man, whom he had often seen before? which they denying, affirm’d that it was a real Devil; but _Arcisseusky_ knew their pretended Friend, who spake so shrill by reason of a Grass-blade which he held in his Mouth. However, though the main of the Fable was acted by Man, yet the Devil without doubt play’d his part with them, as appear’d by those Predictions, which no Man could possibly know, _viz._ That the _Portuguese_ Fort should with the loss but of three Men fall into the _Hollanders_ hands; for so accordingly it hapned. But because the Devil cannot foresee all things, therefore they often erre; for they said that the _Hollanders_ should cross the Moat on Boards nail’d together in stead of a Bridge, and that the Enemy should not perceive it; and indeed _Arcisseusky_ had resolv’d so to do, but was discover’d by the _Portuguese_, who defended themselves with great Guns, which so affrighted the _Tapuyans_, not us’d to such a noise, that they ran away and never return’d, so that by Morning the Fort was conquer’d, and all things quieted.

[Sidenote: A pleasant Story between _Arcisseusky_ and a _Tapuyan_
Priest.]

After this _Arcisseusky_ burnt several _Portuguese_ Ships in the River _Monguoape_, and kept one, carrying ten Demi-Culverins, laden with Sugar and _Spanish_ Wine; which to carry to a safe Harbor a short Way, he requir’d the _Tapuyans_ assistance; but they refus’d to enter, pretending the Ship would perish by some or other unfortunate Accident, which accordingly hapned as they had said; for the Ship was split against a Rock in the Mouth of a narrow Haven, insomuch that nothing of it was sav’d; all which the _Tapuyans_ knew beforehand by the Devil’s information, for they never go upon any Business of consequence before they have consulted with him, and done him worship. Yet, it seems, they cannot secure this Devil of theirs from the Stripes of a Mortal, as appears by this pleasant Story: A _Tapuyan_ Priest was promis’d a Shirt from _Arcisseusky_, upon condition the Devil should pull the same out of his Hand and carry it up in the Air: The _Tapuyan_ liking the Proposal, promis’d immediately to call the Devil; but when _Arcisseusky_ desir’d leave to Drub him with a Stick which he had in his Hand, he could by no means perswade the Priest to call for his _Dæmon_; at which every one began to laugh: and to carry on the Mirth farther, _Arcisseusky_ Joking with the Priest, said, _I will shew you that I am a greater Artist than you, for to Morrow I will bring it about by my Art, that great Horns shall grow on your Head, so big, that you shall not be able to pass these Doors_; which so affrighted the _Tapuyans_, that all of them fled, onely the Priest return’d the next day with an Interpreter to _Arcisseusky_, desiring him that he would use him mercifully, and not cause any Horns to grow on his Head.

At the time when _Jacob Rabbi_ convers’d amongst the _Tapuyans_, they were Govern’d by _Janduy_, a Man of above a hundred years old, whose chief Seat was on each side of the River _Otschunogh_, and round about the Lake _Igtug_, in which none durst Swim, because of the many biting Fishes in the same.

The King _Pritigaba_ having entred into a strict League with _Janduy_, Warr’d continually against the Kings _Arygpoygh_, _Wanasewasug_, _Tshering_, and _Dremenige_; and had not the _Portuguese_ taken the four last into their Service to aid them against the _Hollanders_, they could never have held out long against the Forces sent by _Janduy_, who destroy’d Man, Beast, and Houses, sparing nothing they met with; for they murther and destroy all things where e’re they come.

[Sidenote: _Brasile_ by whom possess’d at present.]

The several Nations that now possess _Brasile_, besides its native Inhabitants, are _Portuguese_, _English_, _Hollanders_, _Germans_, and _French_, which the _Brasilians_ by a general Name call _Ajuru-juba_; otherwise they call all Strangers _Caraiba_ or _Pero_. But from the commixing of several Nations proceeds a fifth sort, for one that is born of _European_ Parents in _Brasile_ is call’d _Mozombo_; of an _European_ Father and _Brasilian_ Mother, _Mameluc_; of an _European_ Father and a _Moor_, _Mulatto_; of a _Brasilian_ and _Moor_, _Curiboca_, or _Cabocles_; of two _Negro_’s, _Criolo_. But above all others the _Portuguese_ are the strongest along the Sea-Coast, who when first they began to settle on _Brasile_, found great resistance; and had not the Natives been at Wars amongst themselves, they could never have got so much footing, but now they are sufficiently Masters; for they have either slain all the old Inhabitants, or driven them up into the Inland: However, the _Brasilians_ are so valiant, that they will Encounter a great Army, being brought up in the Wars from their Cradle. When they Engage one with another they shoot their Arrows exceeding thick, Hooting, Hollowing, and Leaping from one side to the other to shun the Arrows with a wonderful dexterity: The Conquerors spare none, but kill all, and Feast on the slain Bodies; but some they hale away Prisoners with a Rope about their Necks, to each of whom they allot a young Maid, who cherishes and fattens them up for five Moneths, at the end of which they make a great Feast, and drink to a pitch beyond Sense or Reason, having first fill’d their Bellies with the Flesh of the slain Prisoners roasted. If the Woman be got with Child by the Slain, they imagine that they can take no greater revenge of their Enemy, than to devour the Child as soon as it comes into the World; but it often happens, that the Woman really loving her Husband the Prisoner, runs away with him, and so bereaves her Friends of a Banquet.

SECT. II.
St. Vincent.

[Sidenote: Places of note in the _Præfecture_ of _St. Vincent_.]

The continual Wars which the _Portuguese_ have maintain’d against the _Brasilians_, have hindred them from Setling any where but along the Sea-side, where their Residences are divided into thirteen _Præfectures_ or Lordships, by them call’d _Capitanias_; the Southermost whereof being 1. _St. Vincent_, hath a City of the same Denomination, which lies near a River that coming out of the Ocean runs round in the Countrey, and so returns into the Sea.

2. _Sanctos los Leyes_, which reckons four hundred Houses and three Sugar-Mills. Here great Ships take in their Lading in the middle of the City.

3. _Hitauhacin_, the most Southern, is inhabited by the _Portuguese_. Twelve Leagues from thence up into the Countrey the _Jesuits_ have built the Village _St. Paulo_, near the Gold-Mines that lie in the Mountains, extending from East to West thirty Leagues. This Village, long since containing eighty Houses, is inhabited by _Brasilians_ and a mix’d People; the Way thither is troublesom, over rough Mountains, and Ways overgrown with Brambles.

On the Island _Britioga_, at a sandy Inlet which makes a good Harbor, lies a Fort for defence of the Haven _St. Vincent_: and since the _English_, _Anno 1582._ sunk a Ship there, a second Fort hath been built to prevent the coming in up the River; yet notwithstanding Captain _Thomas Candish_ ran by both the Forts, and burnt _St. Vincent_, but spar’d _Sanctos_.

Before the River which washes _St. Vincent_, appears the Island _Sebastian_, pretty large, wooddy, and well stor’d with Venison; It hath wholsom Water, good Herbage, and a secure Road for Ships against all Winds.

Farther into the Sea appears the high and rocky Isles _Alcatraces_, as also _Victorio des Busires_, _Porto des Castellanos_, _Monte de Frigo_, _Muella_, and _Queimadas_.

[Sidenote: The Nature of the _Tupinikinsi_, Natives of _St. Vincent_.]

The Natives of _St. Vincent_, which are in League with the _Portuguese_, are call’d _Tupinikinsi_, inhabiting the Mountains which extend above twenty eight Leagues up into the Countrey: They maintain continual Wars against the _Carioes_, a civiliz’d People, and white of Complexion, as also against the _Cupin Imbas_ on the North, and a nameless People bordering on _Peru_. Moreover, the _Miramumins_, a very wild People, range all the Countrey over, but are much lessen’d since the _Portugueses_ Arrival.

SECT. III.
Rio de Janeiro.

[Sidenote: First Discovery and Possession of _Rio de Janeiro_.]

The second Lordship _Rio de Janeiro_, formerly by the _French_ call’d _Ganabara_, was discover’d _Anno 1515._ by _Juan Dias de Solis_; but the _French_ first Setled themselves here forty years after _Dias de Solis_: for setting Sail from _Havre de Grace_ with three well Mann’d Ships, Commanded by _Nicholas Durandus Villegagnon_, they arriv’d at _Rio Janeiro_ in _November_, and at the Entrance into the River, which is about half a League broad, built a woodden Fort of a hundred Foot long, and sixty broad, and giving it the Name of the _French_ Admiral _Coligni_, put several Guns into the same to secure the Entrance, inclos’d on each side by two steep Mountains. In the River, which is very broad, lie several wooddy Isles, on one of which, near the Fort _Coligni_, _Villegagnon_ Setling himself, suffer’d great Inconveniences for want of Water, because he durst not Land on the Main, for fear of being surpris’d by the Natives. Here he stay’d a year and a half in a deplorable Condition, when _Philip Corguileray_ and _Du Pont_ set Sail with three Ships from the Haven _Honfleurs_; but they also, though they had many Men, yet were ill stor’d with Provisions, insomuch that Hunger increas’d amongst them daily: wherefore _Villegagnon_ return’d home without any farther Exploits.

[Sidenote: _Jean Leri_ his Description thereof.]

_Jean Leri_, who went with _Corguileray_, describes _Rio Janeiro_ after this manner:

“The River (saith he) lies twenty three Degrees Southward of the _Equinoctial Line_; the Inlet of the Sea, twenty four thousand Paces broad, and in some places broader, is hemm’d in by hills; the Mouth of the Inlet is somewhat dangerous, by reason of three rocky Isles; beyond the large Bay is a narrow Channel, on the left-hand whereof there rises a high Mountain, which the _French_ call’d _Le Pot de Beure_, because it resembles a Butter-pot. Somewhat farther lies the Rock _Ratier_, where _Villegagnon_ thought to build a Fort, but the Water in stormy Weather washing over the Rock, he was forc’d to give over his Design. Half a League farther is an Island a thousand Paces in length, and a hundred and fifty in breadth, surrounded with Rocks, on which the _French_ resided: at each end of the Isle rises a Hill, and from the middle a Rock sixty Foot high; on the Hill _Villegagnon_ pitcht his Tent till he had built him a handsom House on a Rock; the other Houses were built in the Valley. Three Leagues and a half farther lies a fruitful Isle nine Miles in circumference, inhabited by a salvage People call’d _Touoebinambauti_: there are several other Isles, on which breed good Oysters with little Pearls, which stick so fast to great Stones, that they can scarce be pluckt off. The River _Janeiro_ abounds with Fish.”

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of chief note.]

The _French_ once possess’d this Island, but were dispossess’d by _Emanuel de Sa_, Governor of _Brasile_, for the _Portuguese_.

The City _Sebastian_, which contains three hundred Houses, is built on the Southern Point of _Janeiro_; opposite to which, on the Northern Point, lies the Fort; a large Church, the _Jesuits_ Cloyster, and two Sugar-Mills, give no small lustre to the City, where the chief Trade consists in _Brasile_ Wood and Cotton. The _French_ Storm’d this Town _Anno 1581._ but march’d off without any success. _Dirk Ruiters_, an Eye-witness, gives us this Description of _Sebastian_:

“The Town (says he) lies two Leagues up the River _Janeiro_, in a Bay, about which it is built like a Semi-Circle in a sandy Soil along the Water, and is about a Mile long; at each end rise steep Mountains, besides which it hath neither Walls nor Gates; but its strength consists of four Forts, the chiefest whereof stands towards the East on a Rock in the Mouth of the River; the second towards the West, an Isle which on the South-East rises with a Mountain resembling a Sugar-Loaf: the third crowns a Rock South-East from the Town; and the fourth, in the North-West, a high Mountain. The Natives, call’d _Tououpinambauti_, are very serviceable to the _Portuguese_.”

Besides the fore-mention’d Towns _Coligni_ and _St. Sebastian_, some make mention of another in this _Præfecture_, call’d _Angra de los Reyes_, twelve Leagues distant from _St. Sebastian_ Westward.

The Burroughs of the Natives are populous, but neither strong by Nature, nor fortifi’d, and so not by any one thought worthy the naming.

SECT. IV.
De Spirito Sancto.

[Sidenote: Description of the Lordship _De Spirito Sancto_.]

[Sidenote: Several strange sorts of Fish.]

Next to _Rio Janeiro_ lies the Lordship or County _De Spirito Sancto_, exceeding fruitful, having divers Woods abounding with Venison. The Rivers _Parayva_, _Manangea_, _Itapemeri_, _Iritibi_, and _Guarapari_, are stor’d with all sorts of Fish, and amongst others the Fish _Piratiapua_, which in the Winter Moneths lives in the Rivers, and against the Summer returns to the Rocks wash’d by the Ocean. This Fish hath a wide Mouth full of Teeth, a reddish Tongue, little Fins, except those on their Backs, divers colour’d Scales, yet most of a dark Red, and generally weighs fifty Pound.

Here is also the Fish _Paru_, full of yellow Scales like Half-Moons over a black Skin; it hath long Fins near the Tail, and a little Head.

No less remarkable is the _Guebucu_, which hath a long Body, a sharp bonie Snout, the upper Jaw reaching over the other, no Teeth, a Tail divided in the middle, sharp Fins on the Back, and a Skin full of Silver-colour’d Prickles. This Monster not onely devours great Fishes, but also Men; when it is hungry it often runs its Snout through the side of a Ship.

But there is no Fish more deform’d than the _Abacatuaja_, which being oval and flat, hath two long Fins underneath, and one on the top, a divided Tail, green Fins, a smooth Skin, and fiery Eyes; as soon as it is taken it cries like a Hog.

[Sidenote: The Serpent _Boiguacu_.]

In this County stands a Town of the same Denomination, which contains two hundred Houses, a Sugar-Mill, and a Cloyster of _Jesuits_, and drives a great Trade in Cotton and _Brasile_ Wood. Before the City lies an Inlet full of Isles, the Mouth of which is guarded by a Castle. The Natives, call’d _Maigaias_, are in League with the _Portuguese_, but the _Tapuyans_ and _Apiapetangas_ do them all the mischief they can possibly; so that the _Portuguese_ travel in great danger of their lives, when any Business calls them, through the Countrey of these salvage People. But besides these People, the Way is pester’d with strange wild Beasts, especially on the Mountain _Mestre Alvaro_, which is seen at a great distance off at Sea; on which, amongst other Creatures, breeds the terrible Serpent _Boiguacu_, whose length is generally twenty four Foot; it is of an Ash colour, with great and small black Spots, with a little white Speck in the middle; when hungry, it leaps out of the Hedges, or from the tops of Trees, raises it self upright on its Tail, and winding about either Man, Beast, or whate’re it be, squeezes it to death, or puts its Tail, which ends in a sharp Point or Sting, in at the Fundament in such a manner, that it kills the Creature on which it seizeth in a moment, and then swallows it up. This Serpent hath strong Ribs inwardly, and more than seventy bonie Joynts; wherefore it turns it self with great ease; the Joynt-bones near the Head are the biggest, and grow smaller and smaller towards the Tail: It also feeds on Pismires.

[Sidenote: The Bird _Jabicu-guacu_.]

This County also breeds the Bird _Jabicu-guacu_, which exceeds the Crane in bigness, and hath a long thick Bill, but no Tongue; on his Head appears a white grisly Crest or Mitre; the Wings and Tail are short, and the Feathers most of them white, except the Pinions, which shine like Rubies; their Flesh is of a good rellish, but somewhat dry.

Near the River which washes the City _Spirito Sancto_, the _Paraibes_ dwell in Huts, not unlike Ovens.

SECT. V.
Porto Seguro.

[Sidenote: Description of _Porto Seguro_.]

Next to the fore-mention’d County borders _Porto Seguro_, discover’d by _Pedro Alvares Capralis_, who gave this Countrey the Name of _Terra de Santa Cruiz_, but afterwards chang’d it to _Porto Seguro_, because he found a secure Harbor there. The Town, built on the top of a white Rock, gives its Denomination to the whole Countrey, and harbor’d long since two hundred and twenty Families, and hath five Sugar-Mills. The Land on the North side of the Rock rises high, but Southwardly a smooth Coast runs along the Ocean, from which two Leagues off at Sea lie several Cliffs, against which the Waves break with a great force.

The Towns _Santa Cruiz_ and _Amaro_ are left desolate, because the _Portuguese_ were continually Invaded by the salvage _Aymures_, whom they were not able by any means to repress.

Southward from _Porto Seguro_ appear the Shoals _Abrolhos_, twenty six Leagues from the Coast; they are of one breadth, but one is longer than the other.

[Sidenote: Remakable Wreck of the Ship _Batavia_.]

[Sidenote: _Corneliszoon_: his villainous Attempt.]

On this Coast the Ship _Batavia_ was cast away _Anno 1629._ which Accident is the more remakable for the Murders committed by the Factor, _Hieronymus Corneliszoon_, who with some Confederates resolv’d to run away with the Ship, and to Sail to some _Spanish_ Haven, or _Dunkirk_, and so to pillage the _Netherland_ Vessels; but their Design was frustrated by the Ships running against the _Abrolhos_: _Francis Pelsaert_, chief Commander, first caus’d the Sick, with the Women and Children, to be put on an Island, or else on two Rocks about three Leagues distant from the place where the Ship lay, in which remain’d seventy Men, whom _Pelsaert_ in vain endeavor’d to carry away; for the Sea was so rough that a Boat was not able to abide in the same, and also the Storm beginning to increase, beat the Ship more and more against the Sands, and the Seamen venturing towards the Isle on pieces of Timber, were some drown’d, others by the Waves, were driven ashore, amongst whom was _Hieronymus Corneliszoon_, who preserv’d his Life twenty four hours on the Boltsprit after the Ship was stav’d; but not terrifi’d with such an Accident, he continu’d in his fore-mention’d Resolution. On one of the Cliffs were forty Persons with eighty Cans of Water, but on the Island a hundred and eighty with much less; upon which _Pelsaert_, who when the Storm ceas’d, thought to save somewhat more out of his Wrack, was necessitated to seek for fresh Water on one of the said Cliffs, but not finding enough, trimm’d up his Boat and set Sail homeward, from thence to fetch a new supply of People: During which time _Cornelisszoon_ perform’d his Vilany; for he chose _David_ of _Zeevang_, _Gysbrecht Welderen_, _Coenraed Huissen_, _Cornelis Pieterszoon_, _Rutger Frederickszoon_, and _Hans Heilwerk_, for his Assistants, besides several others, and destroy’d all the People on the Island, except five, who escap’d on pieces of Timber to the Rock where _Weyber Hays_ resided with forty Men, who being inform’d what the aforesaid Villains had done, prepar’d for resistance with sharp-pointed Sticks, those People on the second Rock being also slain by _Zeevang_, who spared onely some Women and seven Boys; after which _Hieronymus Corneliszoon_ took _Lucretia Jans_ for his Wife; in like manner _Huissen_ took _Judith Sebastiaens_; the remaining Women serv’d the rest for Concubines. Not long after twenty of them going in Sloops, fell upon _Weiber Hays_, who valiantly resisted them: but because _Hays_’s Life was of great consequence, by reason he might give notice of their Actions to the Ship which was expected from _Holland_, and which they design’d to run away with, therefore they renew’d their Assault with fifteen Men more, and were again beat off; wherefore they resolv’d to make a Peace, which _Hieronymus Corneliszoon_ promis’d to ratifie the next day; nevertheless this Peace was but feigned, for under pretence thereof they deliver’d Letters to several _French_ Soldiers that were under _Hays_’s Command, promising each six thousand _Guilders_ if they would joyn with them; but they shew’d the Letters to _Hays_, who keeping it secret, that he might draw on _Hieronymus Corneliszoon_, not mistrusting the Discovery, to come thither at the appointed time, took him Prisoner, and caus’d _Zeevang_, _Huissen_, _Welderen_, and _Cornelis Pieterszoon_ to be put to death; but _Wouter Loos_ making his escape, was chosen chief of the Rebels, who ventur’d a fourth Assault, but returning without any effect left off making any farther Attempt. Mean while _Pelsaert_ arriving with the _Sardam_ Frigat from _Holland_, sent a Boat ashore, which by a little Skiff dispatcht by _Hays_, was inform’d of all the Passages; whereupon the Boat returning, _Pelsaert_ as he was putting himself into a posture of Defence, espy’d a Sloop coming about the Southern Point of the Island, in which were eleven of the Rebels clad in Scarlet with Silver Lace, which making directly towards the Ship, as soon as they came up, were commanded to throw away their Arms over-board; which having done, and coming aboard the Frigat, they were all put in Irons, as also their remaining Party, and condemn’d to die.

Opposite to the _Abrolhos_ on the Main Coast, a plain Countrey extends it self thirty Leagues in length, inhabited by the _Ouetacates_, a cruel People, who continually either destroy one another, or else make sad slaughters amongst their Neighbors.

The County _Porto Seguro_ belongs to the _Spanish_ Duke of _Avero_, but is very much decay’d.

[Sidenote: The Beast _Capybara_.]

The Rivers _Moucuripe_, _Caruvelas_, and _Lucuru_, breed abundance of Water-Hogs call’d _Capybara_, which have short Feet, Bristles and Ears, a thick Body and Head, with a bearded Snout, besides two Tusks, and twenty four lesser Teeth in each Jaw, but no Tail; they feed on Grass and Bushes in whole Herds on the Shore, and make a terrible noise; and though they cannot run fast, yet they dive and swim extraordinary quick.

[Sidenote: The _Tapiirete_.]

The _Tapiirete_ also resembles a Hog, especially in its Head and Feet, but is as big as a Heifer of six Moneths old, hath a Snout hanging over its under Lip, a Mouth full of Teeth, and on its Skin short and dark colour’d Hair. This Beast is very libidinous, and in the Nights spoils the Fruit-Trees, especially the Sugar-Canes, but in the Day-time it sleeps in Thickets. The Flesh of a young _Tapiirete_ tastes like Beef.

Lastly, the Inhabitants of _Porto Seguro_ are plentifully supply’d with Rabbets, and the more, because there being divers sorts of them, (some say five) they are taken in great abundance, either in Traps, Snairs, or Gins, or by discovering their Holes; for the Hunters stopping the entrance of them, dig a Hole directly over the place where the Coneys lodge, and so kill them with long Pike-staves in the Ground.

[Sidenote: Five sorts of Rabbets in _Brasile_.]

Of these five sorts of Rabbets in _Brasile_, the chiefest, call’d _Paca_, hath a thick Head, little Ears, their fore-Feet bigger than their hind-Feet, short, hard, and brown Hair, speckled grey on the Sides, but no Tail: The Flesh of this sort of Rabbets is very delicate.

The second sort is the _Tupesi_, which being like a Hare amongst us, may as well be accounted of that kind.

The _Aguti_ resembles our Rabbets, onely it hath harsh brown Hair, round Ears, bald Feet, gruntles like a Hog, hath two Toes more on their hind-Legs than on the foremost.

The _Cavia Cobaya_, though less than the _European_ Rabbets, excell them in soft and divers-colour’d Hair, distinguish’d by white, red, and black Spots; their Head and Teeth resemble those of a Rat, but it hath no Tail: No Rabbets can be made tamer than these, and if carry’d to any remote Countrey, breed as well there as in _Brasile_.

The last of all is the _Aparea_, which differs little in running from a Hare, as also in respect of the Head and Beard, harbors more in rent Cliffs than in sandy Ground.

[Sidenote: The Tree _Tucum_.]

The Soil of _Porto Seguro_ bears two sorts of Palm-Trees, _viz._ the _Tucum_ and _Airi_; the _Tucum_ hath small Boughs full of prickly Leaves, and a fruit not unlike the Damask Prune, hanging in Clusters of three or four hundred together; and being excellent Food to fatten Hogs and Apes; also when press’d yielding a clear Oyl, which is highly esteem’d: the Fruit when ripe grows black without, and within hath a white Kernel: of the Leaves the _Brasilians_ spin fine and strong Thred.

The _Airi_ grows much higher than the _Tucum_, and hath also longer Leaves, a Body full of sharp Thorns, and a round Fruit full of white and oylie Pulp, but not eatable; the Wood hard, heavy and black, sinks in the Water, and the _Brasilians_ make their Clubs of the same.

[Sidenote: The Bird _Cocoi_.]

Along the Rivers flie the Birds _Cocoi_, resembling Herons, though in beauty they far exceed them; they have but little Flesh, long sharp Bills, of a yellowish green colour, and curious Crests of Feathers on their Heads, which fall back over their Necks; their Flesh when young is delicate.

SECT. VI.
Los Isleos.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Los Isleos_.]

Next _Porto Seguro_ borders the Countrey _Los Isleos_, so call’d from its chief Town, which consists of a hundred and fifty Houses, (or perhaps by this time many more) eight Sugar-Mills, a Cloyster for the _Jesuits_, and a Church. The Inhabitants live by Tillage, and Transporting of Provisions in little Barks to _Pernambuco_.

Seven Leagues farther in the Countrey, beyond the Town of _Isleos_, lies a nameless Lake three Leagues long, as many broad, and above ten Fathom deep, and full of the Fish _Manati_, which are very large and well tasted, besides abundance of Crocodiles; and in windy Weather the Water is as rough as if it were in the Ocean. Out of this Lake flows a River by a Passage so narrow, that a Boat can scarce pass through the same.

Round about this River live the _Guaymures_, the most salvage People of all _America_; they are of a Gigantick size, have white Skins, carry exceeding great Bowes and Arrows, live without Houses like Beasts, devour Mans-flesh like Tygers, never Fight in Companies or Armies, but watch to surprize a single Man or Beast; they also eat their own Children, and possess’d formerly all the Land from the River _St. Francisco_ to the Promontory _Frio_; but beaten from thence by the _Tupinambas_ and _Tupinachias_, they went to the County _Los Isleos_, which they Invaded in such a manner, that the _Portuguese_ were not onely forc’d to leave several Sugar-Mills, but also the whole Countrey.

SECT. VII.
Bahia de Todos los Sanctos.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Todos los Sanctos_.]