Page:The principal navigations, voyages, traffiques and discoveries of the English nation 16.djvu/140

 Quabacondono: and (which hath not bene knowen since the first creation thereof) there is not the bredth of one foote throughout all the whole Island, which is not absolutely subiect vnto him. And hee reigneth in so great peace and tranquilitie, that if his successors follow the same course of gouernment, there is no likelihood of future sedation or perturbation in any of the kingdoms. And doubtles the meanes which he vseth to establish continuall peace and concord among the Iaponians, are very great and effectual.

One is, that after he hath passed his pubilque promise, he neuer putteth any of his aduersaries to death, which his predecessoor Nabunanga performed not: for he hauing subdued any kingdom, would put all the lords and gouernours to the sword. But this king granteth vnto them not onely life, but also yerely reuenues, whereby to maintaine themselues in an honest and meane estate: in which regarde they all rest contented, and willingly submit themselues.

Another is, in that he hath brought the husbandmen and pesants (by whose assistance and wealth all the pety-kingdoms were after a sort susteined) vnto such extreme pouerty, that they haue scarce wherewithall to keepe life and soule together: as likewise hee hath bereaued them of all kinde of weapons.

The third is, because hee hath most streightly forbidden all contentions, seditions, frayes, and skirmishes. For whosoeuer be found culpable of this crime, they dye euery man of them on both parties. If any escape by flight, their kinsefolks are punished, in their stead; and for lacke of them, their seruants: and for defalt of both their next neighbours. If many were guilty, many are punished and suffer death: but hence it commeth to passe, that many innocent persons are constrained to die. And this seueritie is the cause, why there are at this present so seldome frayes and contentions in Iapan.

The fourth is, that in administring of iustice hee is most vpright, without all respect either to his owne kindred, or to his ancient captaines, or the blood royall, or any of the Bonzij, bee they neuer so famous: and being once aduertized of a crime, hee pardoneth no man. And albeit himselfe is exceedingly addicted to women, yet will he permit none of his subiects to haue any concubines. For which cause not many dayes agoe, hee banished a Bouzio of great wealth, being in alliance and dignitie most neere vnto himselfe. And being informed that all the Bonzij of