CHAP. I.

ABilgualit Miramamolin Iacob Almansor was the sonne of the great Caliph, the sustayner of Morisme Abihabdi Allahi Abilgualit Abin (que) Abni Malique; and nephew of the great Caliph Abni Abel Ha­sen. Motaleb of famous and high Linage, Solar: the renowmed race and house of the Gentile [Page 2]Kings of Arabia. Hee was borne in the ele­uenth yeare of the Higera, on the second day of the Moone of I [...]buel; hauing attained with sound and perfect health to fifteene yeares of Age, he began to show so great courage and Inclination to Armes and Learning, that hee caused admiration in his Masters, who had the charge and gouernment of him. For he was at this age so skilfull in the seuen Libe­rall Sciences, that they who were the most learned in them, spake of them in his presence With much feare and bashfulnesse, for at euery other word he corrected the Imperfe­ctions which proceeded out of their Igno­rance. And at the eighteenth yeare of his age he wrote the three bookes of Mathema­tickes and Astrologie, which are so renow­med at this day amongst the Arabians. Hee wrote also the abridgement of Histories, the great Art of Algebra; and the booke of the ex­ercise of the militarie Art, and that which hee entitled The Mirrour of Princes. At the one and twentieth yeare of his age he wrote the three Bookes of Philosophie vpon the Texts of Aristotle, in forme of a Comment. Not­withstanding, that which was most to be ad­mired, [Page 3]was, that at the fiue and twentieth yeare of his age, he spake eleuen Languages, reading and writing them as perfectly as the very Naturals themselues. The King Abil­gualit his father being himselfe a wise man, yet vndertooke no enterprise without his counsell and aduice, because hee found that in so doing his affaires euer succeeded accor­ding to his hearts desire. This valorous Prince hauing liued after this manner a cer­taine season, and hauing ordayned a Iurgo di canas, and other disports, called vnto them the great Alcaydes, who were Gouernors of his Kingdomes, one of which at his comming presented to the King Abilgualit his father an Alfange, which is a Sword or Cimiter of in­estimable value: for the handle was of the finest Emerald: the pommell of a stone cal­led a Balais: Tabeli. the scabberd and chape hilt of fine gold wrought with the hammer: with sundry sorts of precious stones enchaced; H [...]ia. and the blade most excellently damasked. Some of the Alcaydes hauing seene and handled it from hand to hand, they all concluded in saying, that were it but halfe a hands bredth longer, it would then be the best weapon in [Page 4]the world: whereat the King Abilgualit was much distasted because hee had taken a great liking thereof; and therfore caused the Prince Jacob Almansor to be called that hee might see it, and giue his iudgement thereon: admonishing the Alcaydes, that none should aduertise him of the fault they found; who being come to his presence, he commanded that the Al­fange should be showne him, who was so wel pleased with the sight of it, that he presently spake these words: This Weapon is worth a Citie. The King his father replyed, that hee should looke well theron, and consider what fault there was to be found therein: but hee said hee found none, the thing being as well framed and wrought as he could desire. Then his father the King Abilgualit acquainted him how the Alcaydes did say, that the Blade was too short. Whereat the Prince taking the Al­fange in his hand, said with a smiling counte­nance these words. To the hardie and cou­ragious caualiers, no weapon no weapon is too short, and then stepping with his right foot one step forwards with the Alfange in his hand, prosecuting his reason, hee said; be­cause with one pace forward it will bee made [Page 5]as long as one would desire. This his speech was so pleasing to his father Abilgualit that he presently cast his armes about his neck and embraced him, saying; Certainly my Sonne thou mayest well seeke out other Kingdoms to conquer, for those which I shall leaue thee are too few, for that wisdome and valour which the Soueraigne God hath giuen thee: and girding the Alfange about him, hee said, that it could not belong to any but to him, since hee found no fault with it. This being thus ended, the Prince went downe with all the Alcaydes that were present, to play at the Canes, and at other deuices in such sort that all admired his dexterity in deuising & gui­ding such delightfull disports. The next day with many gracious fauours he dispatched those Alcaydes. Which done, hee said it were not reasonable to shew himselfe gracious on­ly to the Alcaydes of his Kingdomes, and to leaue his poore Subiects comfortlesse and vnrewarded. With which resolution, he com­manded all the poore about his Court to bee called, that they might also bee partakers of his bounty; and when they were come, hee placed himselfe at the Gate of his Treasurie, [Page 6]and as they passed by him, hee gaue to euery one of them a handfull of gold coyne vntold which hauing done, he vnderstood after by his tellers, that hee had that day distributed two and twentie Arrobas; Arrobas. and thirteene pounds of gold. This being reported to his father Abilgualit, hee was reprehended by him, as being too free, and aduised him to stay his hand, lest otherwise he might becom poore, saying, that a King without his Trea­sure is like a dead man among the liuing. But the Prince answered, that he might rather be said to be dead, that is close fisted towards his followers, because hee could not expect any comfort of them in his necessitie, and in the day of his distresse: and that hee was not borne but to doe good, in imitation of his Creator, who vsed so much clemencie to­wards his creatures; whose second cause or Instrument hee esteemed himselfe here on earth; and that none might iustly reprehend him in that behalfe, seeing hee considered that nothing was more certaine then death, and that he could carrie nothing out of this life but [...] poore shrowd or Winding sheet, Mortaia. and those good or euill deeds which he had done [Page 7]in this life, to giue accompt of them to that high most omnipotent God, as to a iust Iudge at the day of that fearefull finall Iudgement. These reasons were so agrecable to his father Abilgualit, that considering well the great worth of the Prince, he or dayned eft-soones in his life and Kingdomes such order and course as the next Chapter declares.

CHAP. II.

THe King Abilgualit perceiuing the great valour of his Sonne the Prince, Iacob Almansor, and that he himselfe was old, being aboue seuentie yeares of Age, he resolued to resigne his Kingdome into his hands, and to retire to his rest: and resigned the same according­ly, with the agreement and consent of the great Alcaydes of his Kingdome, in such sort, that the Prince Iacob Almansor was crowned and sworne for King the tenth day of the [Page 8]Moone of Moharram, three and thirtie yeeres of the Higera being then fully complete, Aune Chr. 654. Ian. which Coronation was confirmed the third day of the Moone of Rabeh, being the second of that yeare.

Hauing began his Raigne and Gouern­ment, he tooke also a new habit in his condi­tions, kind, and manner of Liuing, which be­cause they are worth the remembring, I will not forbeare to rehearse at large in this briefe Treatise. For, contrary to that gallantry and brauerie which he vsed whiles he was Prince hee clothed himselfe in the plainest sort that hee could deuise. Hee put on such a modest settled countenance, that none of those that serued him could know by his outward car­riage whether he were sorrowfull or ioyfull. In good and ill successe his visage was al­waies alike; and hee carried himselfe in such sort to wards those of his house, that the bal­lance was euen between Loue and Feare; for neither for great seruice done, nor for neg­lect or omission of dutie, could they know whether they were in fauour or disgrace.

Hee diuided the dayes of the weeke after this manner. The Friday for matters of his [Page 9]Religion, in which hee was very deuout. The Saturday for matters of Iustice. The Sunday for matters of Warre. The Munday for the gouernment of his Kingdomes. The Tues­day and Wednesday for his Recreation: and his priuate affaires, and the Thursday for matters of Learning.

The Friday as wee haue said, hee medled with no affaires or businesse, but went in so­lemnitie to the great Mesquita, Eala. being his Church, in this manner. Hee set forth from his Palace attended with fiue hundred foote­men, with their Alfanges; two of which on each side of their Captaine, carried their na­ked Alsanges vpright, the points vpward; & their Captaine hauing his Alfange girt about him, as all the rest, therby signifying the for­titude and iustice by which hee maintayned his Kingdomes in peace. Next before those of his Guard went two hundred horsemen very well appointed, with their Captaine and Standard Royall, armed with their Curiasses, Alfanges, Lances and Targets. Neere vnto his Person went the Alguazil Mayor or Camp-master, after whom the Councell of Warre, then his Councell of State or Gouernement [Page 10]of his Kingdomes, and the Cadi or his chiefe Iustice. In each of these Counsailes hee had foure Counsellors, the ancient of which was President. The Alcayde that was Captayne Generall or Admirall of the Sea, if hee were in Court was before all, next about his Per­son. The Alfaqui Mayor of the Mesquita be­ing the great Prelate or Church-man, went on his left hand; his eldest Sonne on his right, and the rest of his Sonnes before him. Being come to the Mesquita, they went in all to their prayers; which being ended, they retur­ned in the same order to the Palace; where was placed a Seate for the King neere vnto a Fountaine, where being sate, hee receiued the Petitions and Supplications of all sutors, whether Courtiers or strangers. Then hee arose, and an Huissier of his Chamber with a lowde voyce that all might heare, said in this manner. All they that haue giuen any Memori­alls or Bills this day to the King Miramamolin Almansor our Lord (whom the Soueraigne God make victorious) are to repaire to morrow to his Royall Audience, where hee will render them Iu­stice. Then hee arose and went to his repast, and a Mayordomo being as a Master of his [Page 11]houshold, said after this manner alowd that all might heare. All Sutors rich and poore that sue vnto the King, are to stay and receiue their re­fection in the Royall Palace, as hath beene accu­stomed. Presently were prepared three Ta­bles of such length and capacitie that two hundred persons might sit at euery of them. The first for the Alcaydes and principall per­sons. The second for those of the middle sort. The third was for the poorer, and for the seruants of the Alcaydes, which Tables were all furnished with such aboundance of Prouision, as became the house of so mighty a King. And if there were much people, they tooke each of them his turne, and were all filled and satisfied. Hee tooke his repast al­waies in priuate, & neuer in publike, though he were in campe. Neither in time of Peace or of Warre did hee vse to eate or drinke in vessell of gold or siluer, albeit he had many, neither had hee any Physician to direct his Diet, much lesse any Alcayde to take the essay, neither more then two seruants to serue him at the Table: neither did he eate more then of two kinds of meate. For hee said, that if any meant to poyson him, the taking of ma­ny [Page 12]essayes would not preuent his death; and that two were sufficient to serue anyone man; that in time of Health he had no need of the Physician; and that the man that could not tell how to preserue himselfe from being sick by surfet of meat or superfluitie of drinke, was rather to bee ranked among beasts then reasonable men. After meat his exercise was alwaies moderate; and about foure houres after he went to the Bath, wherein he stayed an houre, and then walked vntill it was time to retire to his rest. Then came his Magor­domo and gaue him a briefe account of that which was vnder his charge, and what hee had done that day, aduertising if there were any notable thing deseruing chastisement or reward in any of his houshold, that hee might therein take such order as was most conuenient, which he did accordingly with great wisdome and celeritie. Then he betooke himselfe to his rest. It was a thing worthy to bee obserued, that during all his life hee euer went to bed before the third part of the night were spent, and alwaies arose before the Sunne peeped out of the East: except it were in that last sicknesse, whereof hee died. Hee [Page 13]slept not by day, neither in Winter nor Sum­mer; nor ate any more then once. Hee had a Prouerbe written on his Royall Seat, where he vsually sate to doe Iustice, which was writ ten in Letters of Gold in the lesser Arabicke verse, which said after this manner.

Somewhat lower the verse said after this manner.

Another Prouerbe hee had written ouer his Bed in like verse, which sayeth.

CHAP. III.

THis King Abilgualit Iacob Alman­sor was such a Louer of Truth, that it was not obserued in him, either whiles hee was a Child, a Prince, or a crowned King, that euer he told any lye or spake any vntruth. Hee loued alwaies to speake the Truth himselfe, expecting the like in them that negotiated with him; for he said, that a greater misery could not befal a man in this life then to be a lyer, who with more rea­son might be called the Diuels disciple, then accounted a reasonable man: because there are found in a lyer all the mischiefes in the world, being euer vniust, a false witnesse bea­rer, a very traitor to the Truth, and such as was not fit to treat with any man, or to looke him in the face. With this zeale did he cha­sten so rigorusly whomsoeuer he found with a [...]e, that it cost many little lesse then their [...], for according to the qualitie of the of­fence; some hee caused cruelly to be whipt, others to haue the tip of their tongue cut off, [Page 16]condemning them for infamous; and that their Testimonie might not bee receiued, in any suite or controuersie. And if it were to the preiudice of a third person he condemned them to death. For hee said that all quarrels and debates, wounding and killing, with all other their appurtenances, were occasioned onely of this, that men spake not the Truth one to another. All his Subiects knowing in what detestation he held falsehood, durst not make any vniust demand before him, or any of his Alcaydes, who had the Gouernment; which foundation being laide, each Saturday hee sate in his Seate, in the Royall Audience, and his Cadi or chiefe Iustice [...]i [...]ing one de­greee lower at his feet, with those Memorials, Petitions, and Bils which he had receiued on the Friday; Hauing perused and placed them in order as he receiued them, hee called the parties, and they proposing the Iustice of their causes, in such sort, that euery one was heard for himselfe, in his seuerall pretentions and allegations. The Cadi gaue Iudgement, gi­uing to euery one his right: and because they durst not lye by reason of the cruell chastise­ment in that behalfe, besides that there were [Page 17]the fewer causes and complaints, they were also dispatched with much speed, and very summarily, in regard that there needed no proofes but onely the Confession of the par­ties, vnlesse they were matters concerning the value of goods or of a higher nature, in which cases he referred them to his Councel, for auerring the Truth; and when such kinde of pleas were in his Court, they receiued an end at the second Audience, which was the next weeke: and if they were out of the Court in some other Citie they were to be determi­ned within a fortnight or fifteene dayes after they began, reseruing the definitiue sentence to himselfe, if the parties did not conforme themselues, or the Iudges were doubtfull therein. In criminall causes he neuer detay­ned any prisoner aboue three dayes; and for hainous crimes aboue nine; and if any that was poore were in prison for debt, hee paid it out of his owne treasure, so that by oath or [...] were auerred that hee had no g [...]s to make payment. And being so strict an obseruer of Truth, there were very few Suits in Law, and those also very necessarie and compulsorie, for he was so feared of his [Page 18]Subiects, that rather then to appeare before him for matter of Iustice, they agreed among themselues without sute or debate, by which meanes they were so careful to deale vpright­ly one with another, that they liued in great peace. He chastised theoues so seuerely, that none durst take any thing from other, neither in Citie nor Countrie, as well in desert as in peopled places. And in so great awe they were of him, that if any one had lost ought in the streete or market place, none durst med­dle therewith, otherwise then to leaue it at the next shop, and cause it to be cryed til the ow­ner were found to whom it was to bee resto­red. This King was so feared in all his King­domes, This custome was vsed a­mong the Moores of Granada euen to our dayes; and seemeth in a manner naturall to them. and his Subiects liued in such securi­tie, that one accident which befell in his time I hold worthy to bee here related. Which is, that after hee had conquered and wonne the Kingdome of Spaine from the King Ro­drigo a Christian by Profession, and had peo­pled and bordered it as he thought conueni­ent, he sent an Alcayde a great fauorite of his, called Abraham Maanya to visit the same, who being arriued there, and going about in visi­tation, passed through a great playne which [Page 19]lyeth betweene two Cities, where meeting with a woman that was alone vnaccompa­nied, yet not vnhandsome, nor euill fauoured, he maruailed much, asking her how shee durst aduenture to goe alone through that vnpeopled place, reprouing and reprehen­ding her boldnesse: who answered him in this manner; While our good King Iacob Al­mansor liueth (whom I pray the Soueraigne God to grant a long life and victorie ouer his enemies.) Wee may all trauaile securely through his Kingdomes, and as safely in the wild fields, as in Townes and Cities. The Alcayde maruailing much at her words; when he was returned into the presence of his Lord Miramamolin Almansor, to giue him account of such things as hee had recommended to his care in his Visitation of Spaine, amongst other memorable things, related vnto him, how he met with the woman on that vninha­bited plaine, and how hee reprehending her boldnesse in aduenturing alone in a place where some outrage might easily bee done her, shee had answered him in that confident manner before rehearsed; and Miramamolin Almansor enquiring what he had replyed vn­to [Page 20]her, he said that hee had told her that shee was a foole to imagine any such securitie, be­cause if any were disposed to doe her any wrong or dammage, Miramamolin Almansor could yeeld her little helpe or succour being then in Arabia, so farre remote from Spaine. The King Almansor was so much offended with those words, that hee forthwith com­manded him to prepare himselfe to returne eft-soones for Spaine, for he had great vse of his Seruice there for administration of his Royall Iustice, and with great dissimulation he wrote presently a letter to the Gouernour of Spaine, called Abulcacim Abdiluar, enclo­sing therein the Alcaydes owne Confession, commanding, that as soone as hee came hee should empale him in that very place where he met with the woman, proclaiming his of­fence in this manner. That King Almansor commanded this Iustice to bee executed on that Alcayde, for his bold attempt of speaking with the woman in that desert place, & espe­cially for putting her in doubt of the securitie of her person, and saying that the King Iacob Almansor could not helpe or succor her, liuing in Arabia so farre remote from Spaine. This [Page 21] Alcayde forth with departed, not knowing that he carried his death inclosed in that let­ter; and as soone as hee came to the Alcayde Abdiluar, then Gouernor of Spaine, hauing read it, he caused him to be taken; and execu­te on him that sentence of the King Mirama­molin his Lord. This case was much noted of all the Alcaydes, Gouernours, and Inhabi­tants of those Kingdomes, as well Moores as Christians. And this deed may serue for an example of many like, which he commanded to be done in his Kingdomes worthy of me­mory, which, to auoide prolixitie, I forbeare to rehearse in this briefe treatise,

CHAP. IIII.

ON the Sunday (as wee haue men­tioned alreadie) the King Iacob Almansor medled with no other affaires but militarie; for which he had foure Alcaydes, named and chosen his [Page 22]Counsellors for the warres, of which the most ancient was the President, to whom it belonged to receiue all the Letters and ad­uertisements which were sent by the Alcaydes that were Gouernours of the Kingdomes, where the garrisons & Sooldiers resided, and he perused them and prepared them against this day. Then the King Almansor entred in­to Counsaile with them, and for answer to them being but ordinarie affaires, it was en­dorsed on the letters, by which the antient Alcayde had his direction what answer hee should returne them. But when he intended any warres or pretended any conquest, hee called no Counsell, but wherein the Gene­rall of his forces by Land, and the Alcayde who as chiefe Admirall was Generall by Sea, were also present. For he said, it was not reasonable to preferre the vote or voyce of any his Counsellors, or his owne, before that of these great Captaines, who were to execute whatsoeuer hee and his Counsell should or­daine; therefore being called, they entred in­to Councell: and the King Iacob Almansor proposing and signifying vnto them what he intended; the yongest Alcayde of the Counsel [Page 23]had the charge to oppose what Incoueniences hee found in that which the King had pro­pounded; and the rest conferred presently concerning the conclusion. There was no­thing resolued on at the first or second sitting, but at the third it was alwaies resolutely con­cluded what was to bee done: so that if any Conquest were determined, letters were written to the Alcaydes of the men of warre, directing them with such companies of horse and foot, as were vnder their command to repaire to such place and quarter as was to them appointed. And other letters were sent to the Alcaydes who were Gouernors of the Kingdomes, to prepare for them all kind of necessarie Prouision, as well by Sea as by Land. Touching the pay of these men of warre, he had alotted out of his Rents be­ing the Tenths of Bread and other particular reuenues pertayning to his Royall Crowne, a sufficient portion for the pay of euery Regi­ment of his men of warre; which went out with their Mayordomo Pagador, Treasurer or Paymaster, by which meanes he assem­bled great Armies, taking out of his Treasu­rie onely the Prouision for his Armie by Sea [Page 24]and the pay of [...] in his seruice. And in the In [...] whiles the Armie was gathering together, the Alcayde who was Admirall of the Sea was bound to assemble his Nauie, to furnish it wi [...]h victuals and o­ther necessaries, and to haue it readie rigged and prepared to embarke the men of warre at the day appointed. And the Alcayde who was Captaine Generall of the Army by Land was bound to cause the vneuen and ill passa­ges of the wayes and Prouinces which the Regiments of Souldiers were to passe, to bee made euen and passable for their ma [...]h, to assemble the Armie, and to see it furnished with victuals and all necessaries. And as soone as the Armie was assembled and em­banked, the Generall of the Armie by Land was bound to obey the Alcayde that was Ge­nerall by Sea, being on the Sea; and the Ge­nerall of the Sea in like manner was to bee obedient to the Generall of the Armie by Land, when hee was on the Land, by which meanes hee preuented all dissention and de­bate betwixt them. Heneuergaue them or­der which they were precisely to follow in prosecution of the warre, but left all to their [Page 25]discretion; saying, that the proceeding of the warres could not in the house be directed, in such sort as they might in the Armie. And because he euer chose such Generals as were of great wisdome and experience in the art militarie, he neuer vndertooke any conquest against any King, whether he were a Moore, a Christian, or Gentile, but hee preuailed a­gainst him.

This King Jacob Almansor had this quality that hee neuer bestowed any place of an Al­cayde or Captaine on any that sued for it, how well soeuer hee were qualified and fitted for the place: neither would he place him in any other office, if once he had made fute for any. Hee made choice of men experienced, who had serued him long both in peace and war, done some remarkeable seruices, by which they had approued their wisdome and valour and the loue and loyalty with which they ser­ued him. Hee had no respect of bloud or of high Linage, but if he were a priuate man of poore estate, and had valour to rule and go­uerne, he would giue him the best and high­est place amongst his Councellors. And if he were of great parentage, and had no va­lour [Page 26]he [...], nor would any way vse his seruice. By [...]ason of his good choyce when his Armies [...] from their conquests, his Generals vsed to make him Relations of the notable things which euery of his Captaines, Alcaydes, or any priuate Souldiers had done, which he read, and (with out forgetting any) rewarded them and pre­ferred them to such places and offices as hee found conuenient. And as none durst make a lye vnto him; so had none any aduantage by fauour without merino in such so [...] that all endeuoured to serue him with g [...] ala­critie, being well assured that their trauaile should be rewarded according to the seruice they had done him. And this was the chiefe cause for which hee was so well serued and feared by all the Nations of the World.

CHAP. V.

THis King Almansor vsed to spend the Monday on the care and Go­uernment of his Kingdomes in such sort, that after the first houre of the day he entred into his Councel of Go­uernement with his foure Councellors of State, where they made him account of the affaires and notable accidents which the Al­caydes of Gouernment had written and certi­fied, which if they were but ordinarie, were answered and decreed as was conuenient, it being the charge of the ancient Councellor to returne the answers, and make dispatches, as it was also in the Councell of Warre. But if they were matters of Importance they gaue him a Memoriall or Bill thereof, that hee might take such order as was fitting: for as concerning the Prouisions of offices of Alcay­des, and Gouernments, and other charges and ministrations, he distributed them him­selfe, without aduice of Councellors. Then going out of his Councell, they placed a seat [Page 28]for him in publicke, on which hee sate, and gaue audience to such as came to complaine of any Iniustice done by any of his Gouer­nours, receiuing their Complaints and Peti­tions, that hee might confider and redresse their grieuances, which he did very speedily, vprightly, and with great seueritie. Albeit such accidents seldome hapned, by reason that his Iustice was so feared, that no Alcayde or Gouernour durst doe any Iniustice, that none might haue cause to complaine.

Concerning Elections and choice of his officers and Ministers, he carried himselfe af­ter this manner. Of all his Alcaydes and Cap­taines that had serued in his warres, hee had particular notice and remembrance of the va­lour of their persons, and the notable seruices they had done, by the true Relations which his Generals had made him, as before is re­hearsed, which hee kept registred summarily in a little booke, together with the place of their Birth, their Age, and how long they had serued. And when hee saw they were growne old and wearied in his seruice, hee licensed them to take rest, and honoured them with places and offices of Viceroyes of [Page 29]Kingdomes, Alcaydes, or Commanderies and Captainships of Castles and fortresses: Some also with Gouernments of Prouinces and Cities, giuing them good and honourable so­laries, receiuing still their pay which they had in the warres. He obserued also this or­der, that hee gaue them alwaies these places of Preferment amongst their friends & kin­red in the same Country where they were borne; neuer taking their offices from them nor changing them to other places, vnlesse they had done some Iniustice, or committed some other fault: and then hee vsed first to take from them their offices; and then to cha­stise them according to the qualitie of their offence, saying that hee that once did any In­iustice for his particular Interest, no longer deserued to bee a Iudge, not so much as a mo­ment. The principall reason on which this King grounded for this election and distri­bution of his offices, was this. Hee said that none could euer know the valour of men, and that naturall talent with which the Soue­raigne God and Nature had endowed them, except it were in the militarie Art; for therein the valiant are tryed, and their courage and [Page 30]wisdome for Gouenment of Common­weales in Peace and warre is discerned. There men discouer their good fortune in their deeds of Armes, in ouercomming great ar­mies, in winning of rich spoiles, in preseruing that place and Command which they haue gotten with so much trauaile and labour, en­during so many euil dayes and worse nights, putting their life and honour in hazard, and in danger to lose all in a moment. There men come acquainted with hunger and thirst, na­kednesse and want, sleeping on the ground, sicknesse, cold and heat, yea, with intolera­ble trauaile: with all which manifold expe­rience they becom in their Age full of know­ledge and skil how to rule & gouerne Com­monweales: for with that valor and courage with which they won their Honour and their wealth, with the same they preserue the common wealth in Peace, gouerning it with vp­rightnesse obseruing Iustice: and with those necessities and miseries which they haue pas­sed through in the course of their life they condole those that are poore and miserable, apt to relieue their miserie and necessitie: and aboue all they which are couragious, valiant [Page 31]zealous of their Law and Religion, louers of their King and country; and who with such care and vigilancie wonne that Reward in the warre, that they deserued to bee Gouer­nors of Kingdomes; with the same minde also would they gouerne the Common­wealth, not being able to endure any Iniu­stice or euill to be done.

Hee neuer gaue any of their offices to any other priuate men, how wise and valiant so­euer, if they had not wonne Honour and Re­putation by long seruice in the warres, and were also of ripe yeares and counsell, and had done some notable acts to restifie their wis­dome, courage, valour, and abilitie, deser­uing offices, Administrations, and Gouern­ments of Common-weales, Kingdomes and Prouinces; for hee said that men brought vp in obscuritie, and liuing in corners, had not the courage to aduenture and trye their fortune, but being cowardly and pusillanimous were euer vn­fortunate; and that Fortune her selse neuer fauou­red them in any thing, but alwaies despised and dis­esteemed them, and that therefore he made no reckoning of such for any employment, as hauing in them no valor, no naturall abilitie.

This King Iacob Almansor was so vigilant in the Gouernment of his Kingdomes, that many times he went out by night, disguised in the habit of a countryman or common-downe and toperson, & visited the publicke places, romes, and offices in his court, and sometimes in the habit of a merchant, hee would trauaile two or three dayes iourney: otherwhiles hee put on the habit of a Souldier, with two or three disguises, when he would informe himselfe of any notable thing; and how his Gouer­nours administred Iustice; and how his Cap­taines and Generals carried themselues in Peace and Warre, and so came to the verify­ing of what he sought, with much dissimula­tion; and many times chastised the delin­quents when they were most secure. And this he did so oft, and so warily, that his Sub­iects tooke a Prouerbe or common speech a­mongst them, which they often vsed in their assemblies and meetings, when any one spake of ought that was vnlawfull, the rest would presently reprehend him, It is to be no­ted that in those dayes the Arabians vsed to weare a vaile ouer their face. saying, take heede lest the King Iacob Almansor heare you. For they thought he was in euery place, be­cause hee vsed in such manner to goe vp and [Page 33]downe▪ and to doe such notable deeds as cau­sed admiration; with which hee held all his Subiects in great seare and awe: and all the Alcaydes of Gouernment thought he was euer looking on them; so that they durst not do any Iniustice, or neglect ought that was vn­der their charge, knowing him to bee of so sharpe and seuere disposition, that if once they fell into [...]sgrace, they should neuer hold vp their heads againe whiles they liued. This was the mayne cause that he gouerned all his Kingdomes in peace, and that none of his Alcaydes or Viceroyes durst any wayes at­tempt the least thing in the World.

CHAP. VI.

THis King (as wee haue rehearsed in the Distribution, which hee made of the dayes of the weeke) chose the Tuesdayes and Wens­dayes for his perticular Exercises, which hee [Page 34]diuided in this manner▪ The Tuesday mor­ning his Huntsmen, Mountaynmen Bowmen, and other Seruants and Officers of that kind being assembled, he went out to the Moun­taines, and there delighted and exercised himselfe in chasing and hunting all kind of game, both of Bird and Beasts, of which he had great store and varietie in the Woods, Groues, and Gardens of Hillan and Albasa­tim, kept and ordered in the best manner that might be; where he recreated himselfe with his followers; and to those of them that had performed any notable exploit that day (wherein he much delighted) hee rewarded with ten pieces of Gold. This Exercise hee followed vntill noone; and then dined in the midst of a great house of pleasure which hee had there; where all that followed him did eate, and many poore folkes were refre­shed; for hee vsed that day and place, espe­cially for matters of Almes and reliefe of the poore, and would not by expresse order bee encombred therewith eslewhere. When hee had dined, a Mayordomo put into a purse a thousand pieces of Gold, called Mi [...]e [...]ales, and then he sitting downe in a square Court, [Page 35]there came the poore before him, as well those of his Court, as of other Townes and Cities, which brought euery one his Certi­ficate from his Alcayde or Gouernour of the e­state of his necessities. And if it were for Mariage of poore Orphanes or other such occa­sions, he gaue direction for their reliefe. And it they were some smaller wants, hee sup­plyed them presently out of that purse which his Mayordomo had filled. But if the matters were of more importance, he subscribed his answere to those Relations or Certificates of his Gouernours: giuing direction how eue­ry one should be relieued, and out of what receipt or reuenue, in such good sort, that all went away contented and satisfied, Hee said to his followers, that hee esteemed that the best day of his life, in which hee relieued all those poore folkes for the loue of the soue­reigne God. It was remarkable in him, that it could neuer be noted, that euer any sought for almes or succour at his hands, whether he were Moore, Christian, or Iew, that went away vnrelieued. He held opinion that there was ne­uer any King poore, and that if hee were so, hee should bee very miserable and vnfortunate: and [Page 36]that Kings should be as large in giuing as they are in demanding and receiuing of their Subiects, without which they haue neyther power, Empire, nor command in the World, more then a priuate person. He was so readie to relieue the needy, and to succour the succourlesse, that going one day on hunting, hee lost himselfe, being seuered from his Seruants; and holding on his course through the Wood, hee found a poore trauayling man, who being taken with some sodaine sicknesse, was fallen on the ground vnable to goe any farther: he there­fore alighting, laid him on his owne horse, and hauing tyed him fast in his Saddle, hee took the reines of the bridle in his hands, and so walked on foote himselfe more then two leagues before hee met with his traine: who albeit they offered to ease him of the care of the sicke, and to mount him on another horse, yet he would by no meanes yeeld vn­to it, but conducted him with his owne hands, vntill hee had brought him to his house in the Wood; and there caused him to be cured, till hee was throughly recouered: and when being become sound, hee kissed his hand at parting with many thankes as [Page 37]was fitting for so great a auour, he answered, that there belonged no thankes vnto him, but that all was due to the Soueraigne God, who had sent him that day to succoun him; for he assured him by his Royall Crowne, that hee had lost his company, wandering hee knew not where, nor which way he went, vntill he lighted happily on him in that place where hee found him sicke: and that it could not possibly be, but that he was guided by God, seeing he wandered in that country in which hee was borne and bred, and yet neuer had the like befallen him. And when he that was healed would haue taken his leaue to depart, he commanded a good summe of money to be giuen him out of his Treasurie, that hee might liue in good sort, and so did dismisse him. These and other like things did the King Almansor, that those about him might learne and take good and laudable examples out of his manners and customes.

The day following, being Wensday, hee gaue no Audience, neyther treated with any; but shut himselfe into his Chamber, reposing himselfe after his Hunting and violent exer­ercising which hee had vsed the Tuesday be­fore. [Page 38]And there being alone, hee wrought Astrolabes of Asrologie and other Instruments of great worth and high estimation amongst the wise of his time. Otherwhiles hee made of inlayd warke such delicate things, and of such great account, that the skilfullest Ma­sters and professors of that Art tooke exam­ple and patterne of those pieces which hee had wrought: for in all these things hee had a singular dexteritie, subtiltie, and excell en­cie of hand. Hee made Crosse-bowes also, and other kind of Weapons and Armes, especially, Coates of Maile, of such excellencie, that I can witnesse that I saw one of them (which hee had giuen to an Ale ayde, being his Fauourite) sold for the weight thereof in Siluer. In these Exercises hee vsed to spend these dayes, and not in any other sort.

CHAP. VII.

THis King Iacob Almansor was so learned in all Sciences, and such a louer of learned men of what facultie soeuer they were, that there neuer came any to his knowledge and acquaintance, but hee honoured and loued him exceedingly: and on the contrary, hee no lesse hated and eschewed the foolish and ignorant. For hee said, that there was no greater miserie in the World then Ignorance, ney­ther any Monster how fierce, foule, or abhomina­ble soeuer that was comparable thereto. Hee pro­claymed ouer all his Kingdomes, that who­soeuer should bring him any Booke that were not in his Librarie alreadie, of what fa­cultie soeuer it was, should receiue double the value, according to the iust estimation thereof: and performed it accordingly. And if they were exquisite Bookes and good, hee paid much more to them that brought them, [Page 40]giuing great rewards. By this meanes hee ga­thered such a multitude of Books, that when he numbred them in his Library, hee found there fiftie fiue thousand, seuen hundred twentie and two bodies of all kind of Sciences, in their seuerall Languages; and weighing them in a weight, they weighed twelue hundred and nine­teene Quintalls of Paper. And for verifying of this Truth, A Quintall is taken for a hundred weight. the greatest part of them is yet at this present, remayning in the Librarie of the Royall Palace, which your Highnesse at this day possesseth: and if any of the Bookes be wanting (whereof I make no doubt) the number and names of the Authors will bee found in the Catalogue, which this learned King caused to bee made. When Thursday was come, hee went into a Royall Hall or large roome adioyning to his Librarie, which was adorned with rich hangings, and the floore couered with Carpets of great price, and the roome replenished with cost­ly Seates, where by he honored those learned men with whom he had treated & conferred about matters of Learning; for hee would neuer permit any of them to stand nor heare him a word at those times appointed for con­ference, [Page 41]vntill they were all set downe on their Seates; Saying, that seeing Learning ought to bee honoured; so ought also the men that were learned, being the Sonnes of so honourable a Mother. Being thus assembled, one of them declared the Propositions which hee mayntay­ned in his facultie; the rest arguing on the contrary. And if any doubt arose on the al­legation of Authours, there stood alwayes readie at the doore of the Librarie, a learned man that had the custodie thereof; who brought presently the Book which the King called for, whereby the doubt was resolued. This course hee commonly continued till noone, and then hee went to his dinner, and caused all those learned men to dine in the same roome, and to bee serued as himselfe. Dinner being ended, the King Iacob Alman­sor went vnto them with many thankes for that good which hee acknowledged of them, commending their learning and knowledge, appointing them also what points they should studie against the next meeting, that they might be the better prepared to yeeld him a good resolution; and named which of them should mayntayne the Conclusion. Hauing [Page 42]dismissed them from his presence: he entred his Library, and spent there the rest of that day, studied in what facultie hee most desi­red; for he was so great a Louer of Learning that whiles I serued him I heard him often say; That hee had no greater griefe in the world, then that the necessarie care of the Gouernment of his house and Kingdomes would allow him no more time but one day of the weeke for the getting of Learning; and that if it were lawfull for him to doe it without being noted of negligence, he would ne­uer meddle of any other thing all the dayes of his life; and that hee neuer did any thing that grieued him more then the aceepting of the office of King, and taking on him the Rule and Gouernment of the Royall Scepter of his Kingdomes, in the life of his father Abilgualit, whereby he had lost much time which he might freely haue employed in Lear­ning, without being troubled with the care of the Rule and Gouernment of the Common-wealth; and therefore often wished that his Sonne wore of ripe age, of Mature Iudgement, and Counsell, that hee might leaue him his Royall Scepter, and rest from that great care which he had of the common good of his Subiects.

CHAP. VIII.

SO friendly was this King Iacob Al­mansor to Learning and to Lear­ned men, and so desirous that the exercise of Learning, and the number of those that were Learned might increase in his Kingdomes, that hee com­manded the building of the famous Collegiate Hospitall, which at this day is adioyning to his Royall Palace, and was by him endowed with a large and ample reuenue: wherein he also constituted Learned Professors and Ma­sters in all Faculties, to reade and teach the Sciences with good Salaries: allowing also therein Prouision of Diet, Apparell, and Bookes for all the poore Students, without putting their Fathers and Friends to any charge, vntil they were Graduates: and there graciously gaue them the Titles of their [Page 44]Degrees. This was done in the one side of this Hospitall: where hee established seuen Academies. In the other side hee appointed a place for the poore diseased where they were cured, as they are at this present, with such seruice, regard, care, and diligence, as they are also at this day, which because it is notorious, I will speake no more of it in this briefe Treatise of his life. And th [...] King Al­mansor entred sometimes into this Hospitall by a false doore out of his Pallace and passed his time visiting the sicke, and comforting of them, obseruing how they were vsed, and whether there were any negligence in the Officers thereof. And then he went into the Academies, to see the Students how they stu­died, and commanded the Masters there, that some of the best able should rehearse some notable things of those which there they had learned, and reioyced exceedingly therein, and caused gifts to be giuen to them which contented him best, saying that those poore diseased, and those Students were his Sonnes, and that he that cherished and com­forted them, ought to account that hee cherished and comforted his owne Royall [Page 45]person. Hee commanded also that other Hospitalls should be builded in all the Princi­pall Cities at his charge through out all his Kingdomes, for the like purpose, and gaue order to his Alcaydes who were Gouernours that they should visit them with the like care and diligence as he visited those of his Court. He gaue direction also that these Hospitalls should receiue all Pilgrimes and Passengers of all Nations whatsoeuer, whether they were poore or rich, giuing them entertaynment both for Dyet and Lodging in conuenient sort for themselues, their Seruants, and the Beasts which they rode on by the space of six dayes: and that if they were poore, they should giue them at their departure, where­with to defray their first dayes Iourney. There was euery yeare giuen him a Bill con­tayning the Examination of the Students that were brought vp in the Hospitall of his Court, and of the others through out his Kingdomes, and of the abilitie and Talent of euery one; and for what employment hee was fittest. As also there was yearely giuen him a Note of the Offices that were voide, eyther of the Alfaquies of the Mesquitas, be­ing [Page 46]his Churchmen, or of the Cadies or Iud­ges of the Cities: and at Easter hee supplyed them, bestowing them all himselfe on whom he thought good. And so the Offices which became voide in those Hospitalls, as well of the Masters, Professors, as of other Mini­sters which held there any charge or place of esteeme, hee alwayes preferred the Stu­dents which had beene bred and brought vp there; and commanded the like to bee done by the Gouernours of his other King­domes. By this good worke hee cured ma­ny of their Infirmities, augmented much the Sciences, and holpe many poore Students to studie, free from care, by his good prouiding to relieue their necessities: which made them all pray to God for his health and long life.

CHAP. IX.

AL the Exercises and the diuision of the Weeke, whereof wee haue hitherto intreated were done by the King Iacob Almansor, when he was in his Royall Palace, and in his Court in Peace. But when he had any necessarie occa­sion to trauell, or any war in hand which re­quired his personall Presence, he left the for­mer charge and care to bee supplyed by one of his faucured Alcaydes, being a man of such Learning, Experience, and abilitie as was re­quisite: in such sort that there was no default, were his absence neuer so long. And albeit he neuer embarkt himselfe to make warre by Sea on any King, but did all by his Generalls and Alcaydes of his men of Warre: yet when he intended to winne and conquer any king­dome or Prouince by land, he delighted ex­ceedingly to bee present in person with his Armie. For hee said, that the vigour of his [Page 48]spirit alone, and the onely imagining of his Alcaydes, Captaynes, and Souldiers that hee was personally present, and that he aduentu­red his life as well as they, was sufficient to o­uercome many Enemies, and made them with redoubled courage to doe their endea­uour. In this manner, hee wonne thirteene set Battailes in the field, and tooke fiue Kings of the Gentiles, without being defeated in any of them, or his Armie routed: and euen with a few Souldiers, in regard of those that came a­gainst him, he performed great Exploits. The most notable was, that when hee had ouer­come one of the Kings of the Gentiles in the Country of Deuque, called Abni Raquib, and an Armie of seuentie thousand foote, and foure thousand horse, which King escaped by flight, and met with a Sonne in Law of his named Abenyusael Salami, who came to suc­cour him, whereupon receiuing new cou­rage, hee turned againe to see whether hee could recouer what hee had lost, and bee re­uenged of his enemy. And albeit hee came against him with fresh Souldiers that were not wearied, which were no fewer then forty thousand foot, and two thousand horse: and [Page 49]the Armie of the King Almansor was now wearied and enfeebled, many hauing beene hurt and slaine in the former battaile, and he being much perplexed: yet seeing he could not now retire, but with great losse and dis­aduantage, nor without some imputation of cowardise, he resolued to abide his enemies encounter anew: and to re-enforce his Ar­mie, he went euery where himselfe, putting them in order, and encouraging of them, saying alowde after this manner; Good Soul­diers and valiant Warriours, let vs dye with Ho­nour like Conquerors and victorious, as wee are at this present; and let vs not flye dishonourably; for J will bee the first that shall set vpon the enemie; and bee yee not afraid since Abilgualit. Alman­sor is with you, whom the Souereigne God hath neuer yet suffered to be euercome; no more shall be at that time. With these words hee began the Battaile without farther speech; and he fought valiantly himselfe in his Royall person, killed many, and tooke the King Abni Raquib: and his Sonne in Law dyed fighting in that Bat­taile brauely. And when they had taken the spoyle of his Campe, all his Souldiers said that the highest God had made Abilgualit vi­ctorious, [Page 50]and that with great reason he might be called Almansor. And from that day for­ward, they named him Almansor Abenforoh, whereas before he was called Abilgualit Iacob Abninacer; albeit in all these Chapters which I haue written of his life, I haue alwayes na­med him Almansor, that I might not alter his name which was best knowne: and he might well be so called, because he was neuer ouer­come in any battaile, nor any of his Generals in any warres or battailes, which they fought or made by his direction, eyther by Sea or by Land, which are all registred in the Booke which is written of his life and warres of his time, and of his great Exploits, and those of his Alcaydes and Gouernours of his Armies: with which I intend not to cloy the Readers. But will only rehearse the number of them, which were seuentie and three Battailes, or foughten Fields by Land, and thirteene fights by Sea. Touching the diuiding of the Spoyles which his Souldiers had when the Battailes were ended, he commanded all to be gathe­red and laid together in such sort, that none durst take any thing without his leaue. And the distributiō of them was made according [Page 51]to his Statutes and Ordinances for the wars; which was, that euery Souldier which was slaine in the Warre should haue his part and portion as farre forth as they that were liuing: and such parts and portions were accordingly deliuered to the companions and friends of the dead who vn­dertooke the deliuering of them to the Children, Wiues, and Heires of them to: whom they belonged. For he said it was not iust nor reasonable, that hee who dyed fighting should lose his part, seeing they that were his had losse enough in losing of him without losing the goods, which were gotten with the price of his life. When hee had made this distribution, he vsed to giue audience to any that was grieued therewith, giuing order briefly, and summarily in what manner hee should be righted, in such sort that they were all satisfied and well contented. And this was the chiefe cause that when hee intended any warre he was so sought to, and serued by his followers, who were readie to hazard their liues for him without feare.

This King Iacob Alnansor as hee was very louing to the Learned, and friendly to the valiant and vertuous, so was hee as aduerse an enemy to Lyers, Pratlers, and Gamesters, and [Page 52]abhorred and loathed the Loytering Ʋn­thrifts and Idlers: for he said that all sueh per­sons were vnprofitable to the Common-weales; like the Droues in the Bee-hiues, that are no wayes helpfull to the Bees, ney­ther in gathering nor preseruing the Honie or the Waxe; but only to fill vp the roomes in their houses; and to eate and consume what they had prouided for their sustenance: and these hee vsed to chasten according to their desert. He would neuer be idle so much as a moment; but was euer busied in good and vertuous Exercises. He caused also a Law to be made, that what person soeuer hee were that had no Office, Trade, or course of life wherein to employ his time, should be held infamous and of no reputation, of what estate or degree soeuer hee were: which was the cause that in imitation of him all his Subiects shunned idlenesse, and bestowed their time in vertuous Exerci­ses: by meanes whereof they escaped many vices and diseases, and liued without want, except it were here and there one, as it is in all Kingdomes.

CHAP. X.

THe King Abilgualit Iacob Alman­sor, seeing him selfe waxen old and wearie of his Gouernment, and considering that his Sonne Abil­gualis Abninace was of sufficient age, wit and abilitie to rule and gouerne, resigned vnto him his Royall Scepter, his Crowne and Kingdomes, with the consent of his wisest Counsellours and the Alcaydes that were Go­uernours: retyring himselfe to a solitarie life in that Country house in the Mountaynes of Albasatim and Alhillan which hath beene before mentioned: where on the top of a high Rocke neere adioyning, hee had caused to be built a sumptuous Mezquita or Temple, with a Colledge or Monasterie, wherein might liue an Heremite or Abbot, with fortie Disci­ples or Monkes, appointing to bee chiefe Go­uernour therein, a man of much Learning [Page 54]named Mahomet el Gazeli. In this man hee had such confidence that hee consulted with him concerning his weightiest affaires and matters of most importance, as with a man of Learning and Wisdome, who gaue him sound aduice, and of whom he had learned much. To that house therefore among those woodie Mountaines, he withdrew himselfe, there hence often repayring to that Mezqui­ta, and Monasterie, to recreate himselfe in conference and couersation with Mahomet el Gazeli: not permitting any to visit him but his Seruants and his ancient Alcaydes, neither them for their pleasure or pastime; for if they came not on some businesse of importance or earnest occasion, he admitted them not to his presence, neither suffered them to visit him. In this manner hee passed his life with great quietnesse and freedome from cares.

Hee very cunningly and subtilly vsed to examine such of his ancient Seruants and Alcaydes as came vnto him, euery of them a­part by himselfe, and that very particularly, in what manner his Sonne Abilgualit Abni­nace gouerned his Kingdomes; whether his Subiects spake well of him, & whether they [Page 55]complayned or misliked him on iust cause or otherwise: with such diligence he learned out of all of them what faults they found and obserued in him. And this King Almansor being zealous of the common good of his Kingdomes, and desirous that his Sonne should rule well, intending to reprehend him of some things, and instruct him how hee should gouerne without reciting or mentio­ning any one particular case of any that had complayned to him, wrote this Letter vnto him, which for the good admonitions there­in contayned, I haue thought fit heere to set downe.

This Letter being receiued by the King Abilgualit, made him reioyce exceedingly, & he tooke so earnestly to heart this his Fathers reprehension, and put his Rules in practice in such sort, that he caused them that serued him to admire; for hee endeauoured with great care and diligence to amend the faults and negligences which hee had committed, especially in administring Iustice, and began to follow the footsteps: of the King Alman­sor his Father in his manner of Gouernment, and in all the rest that hee vsed whiles hee raigned, in so much that in very short time he made them see the amendement hee had made of his Life and Gouernment, in such sort that all his Alcaydes were much conten­ted therewith, though in some particular di­stasted: for in all other things he could imi­tate his Father, sauing only in his Liberalitie [Page 63] and Charitie; sodim these the King Almansor did much exceed him. And this I beleeue was the chiefe cause that hee neuer got so good a name as his Father. For certainly, Li­beralitie is a great vertue in Kings, wherewith they draw the minds of men to loue and serue them vnfaynedly with claritie: who on the con­trarie when they feele not their own interest com­ming, let fall the wings of their courage and cheerefulnesse, louing and seruing more coldly and faintly: because the irascible facultie hauing her residence as she hath in the heart, and louing to be honoured and esteemed, and desirous to haue her trauailes gratified with selfe proper interest, when that ceasseth, the working of the will doth ceasse. Especially in men of the Sword, which of all o­thers are most necessarie for Kings, as well for pre­seruing their Estates, as for the conquering of new Kingdomes and Signiories. Which was the chiefe cause that this King Abilgualit could neuer get any new Prouinces, but with much difficultie preserued that Kingdome which he had inherited from his Father, and was at the point to haue lost all for want of being free and generous towards his men of warre as was requisite for their encouragement; for [Page 64]they being accustomed [...] such gratification and largesse, as the King Iacob Almansor vsed towards them, grew soone distasted with the contrarie in his Sonne Abilgualit: which was the cause that he could neuer rayse any Army by Land or by Sea worth the speaking of, to doe any seruice of account, which merited the remembrance of Histories. This may suffice for this particular; seeing my purpose is onely to write the life of the King Iacob Al­mansor.

CHAP. XI.

THe King Almansor spending his time quietly in that house of Al­bazatin and Albillan in company of Mahomet Algazeli and his Dis­ciples, after some time fell sicke of an infir­mitie of long continuance: and seeing him­selfe [Page 65]to weare away, and that all the reme­dies which his Physicians applyed profited little: one day when they were about him in consultation concerning his Disease, and the difficultie of the Cure, by reason of the ma­nifold Syntomes, his great age and debilitie of Nature considered; hee said thus vnto them; Yee, my Physicians, endeauour and labour to restore my health, but if Gods pleasure be other­wise; your purpose is but vaine. For I assure you, that when God hath determined to end a mans life, the Medicines ministred by the Physicians doe little auaile him; but serue rather to the hastening his end. And so doe I conceiue, of those which yee haue hitherto applyed vnto me, I lay no blame on you, but commend your Learning and Know­ledge; and that good affection wherewith you haue endeauoured to recouer my health: for which I thanke you, and esteeme as much of your seruice as if you had preuailed. But I will not suffer you to be any longer deceiued; for the first day that I fell into this infirmitie, I assured my selfe, it would be my death knowing the same to bee a lingring ex­traordinary Disease, differing from the rest which I haue endured in the course of my life. And espe­cially seeing in the periods thereof I find it rigo­rous, [Page 66]it seemeth to me to be but losse of time to treat of recouery. Hence-forward therefore let no more paines be taken in that behalfe. For I am very con­formable to the will of our Souereigne God; and do giue him infinite thankes for this great fauour which he vouchsafeth me, in taking me out of the troubles and calamities of this miserable life.

Then hee caused the King Abilgualit, and the Infant Abraham Alamzari to bee called; who being come before him on their knees, and halfe prostrate on the ground; kissed his hand; and he giuing them his blessing, said thus vnto them. My deare and welbeloued Sonnes, the last period of my life is now at hand; the Souereigne God being pleased to take mee out of this World. That which I admonish you is, that yee loue like true Brethren, holding good confor­mitie in your minds, and confirming it with good deeds; for so shall yee liue in Peace, and no enemie shall bee able to hurt you. And if yee continue not in Peace and good conformitie, yee shall soone see your Kingdomes ouerthrowne. And turning his eyes to the Infant Abraham, he said thus; And you Sonne Abraham on paine of my curse I com­mand you that you be alwaies obedient to the King Abilgualit your brother, and hold him hence-for­ward [Page 67]in my place for your true Father and Lord; for I am confident in his wisdome and vertue, that he will hold and vse, and regard you as his Sonne. Then directing his eyes to his Sonne Abilgua­lit hee said, And so I command and charge you Sonne Abilgualit on like paine. And they lamen­ting and weeping in such sort that they could scarce speake, answered, that they would obey him.

Then he called in his Alcaydes, the Gouer­nours of his Kingdomes; those of his highest Councels, and the men of wisdome and lear­ning, who attended in the vtter chamber; & the rest of his kinsmen & friends, who when they had saluted him and kissed his hand, he commanded his Morabito Mahomet Algazeli (who being his fauorite, sate at his beds head with the helpe of other attendants to lift him out of his bed: and sitting, spake thus vnto them, My beloued Sonnes and true Friend in our Soueraigne God, The time is now come, in which my Soule is to passe out of this miserable world, to yeeld account of the good and euill which I haue done in this life. I haue beene King and Gouer­nour of these Kingdomes, and haue bred you, taught you, cherished, and loued you as a Fa­ther; [Page 68]and haue also chastened your excesses, and ouer-bold attempts with zeale and desire to doe that which was requisite. But being a man I know that in all things I haue erred as a man; for wee are all weake and miserable Sinners. I therefore earnestly intreate and beseech you with all humili­tie, that if I be any way indebted to any of you, that yee presently declare it: and that I may cause him to bee recompenced. And if there be none; I aske pardon of you all in generall of that which is past: for I, for my part, doe pardon and forgiue what­soeuer in word or deed is by mee to bee, pardoned of any errours or neglects of yours, which you haue committed against mee. And this only I lay be­fore you, that hee which vseth not Mercie towards his Neighbour, must expect none at Gods hands at the last judgement. Which when they had heard, so great was the griefe they all con­ceiued, and such plentie of teares in their eyes, that they could not answer a word for a good space, considering that by losing their King Iacob Almansor, they lost their chiefest good, so great was the loue which they bore him. Yet after awhile they answered, that they all did pardon him, and if need were, would giue all their goods, and aduenture [Page 69]their liues for him: If hee were so pleased to command, as readily as they or any of their Ancestors had formerly done for his seruice, and that hee should no way doubt of their pardon and promise, since they were there present to fulfill it. Then the King Almansor could not refraine weeping, yet rendred great thankes for their louing offer, and bles­sed them: worning them also, that neither they nor any other Friends of his should faile to be present at his buriall, for in their loue hee receiued great consolation. Which they all promised, and departed from his presesence so afflicted and sorrowfull that they shut vp themselues; in such sort that in three dayes there was no Councell held, nor any businesse dispatched in Court vntill he somewhat amended: and then they sell to negotiating and dispatching affaires; yet with griefe and sorrow for their good King, as they had great reason.

CHAP. XII.

THe amendement of the King Ia­cob Almansor was not such, as out of which any certaine signe of Recouery could be had: but it was rather a space for the Indication of the last Parocisme of Death during this Interpo­lation. So that albeit his Seruants were in some hope, the good King being well assu­red of his death, neglected no moment nor minute for the disposing of all things as hee held himselfe bound. Hee willed all his moueable goods and monies to be giuen to the poore for Gods sake: which were forth­with distributed accordingly Then he gaue libertie to all his Slaues and Bondmen. Hee reserued nothing but only his Librarie, charg­ing the King Abilgualit he should keepe it for himselfe; and esteeme it as it deserued: and that in lieu thereof hee should place in marriage [Page 71]a thousand poore Orphans, gining to euery of them a thousand Miticales in marriage.

On the fift day after hee died naturally; leauing this present life on Thursday, in the last watch of the night, on the third day of the Moone Rageb; in the hundred and second yeare of the Hixera. On the day following, This yeare in about the yeare of our Redemption 723. the King Abilgualit wrote vnto all the Alcay­des of his Kingdomes a Letter to this effect, that they all should mourne and solemnize his Funerall, Prayse bee giuen to the Soue­reigne God. Amen. Hereupon they gaue or­der for his Enterment, for which the King Iacob Almansor had prepared and framed on the top of a high Hill, on the Southside of that House called Albazatin that sumptuous Hermitage which is there seene at this pre­sent, and adioyning to it his Sepulchre, being a Ʋault made of a rich kind of Iasper of such largenesse, as would containe fortie persons, and vpon it caused a solid stone to be erected on foure Pillars of Alablaster, and on the sides foure smooth stones with his Epitaphs written in them in the greater Arabicke ver­ses, with a very faire Character. This Sepul­chre is about a mile distant from the House [Page 72]of Albazatin. There were assembled at his Funerall fifteene hundred Alfaqui or princi­pall Priests with the Alfaqui Mayor of the Mezquita of his Court, and the Morabito Ma­hometo Algazeli with all his Monkes or Dis­ciples, and the King Abilgualit and the Infant Abraham, his Brother with all their Seruants; the Alcaydes that were Gouernours and those of the Supreme Councels with their Presidents, and all the other Alcaydes of the Court, whe­ther of Peace or of Warre, which were twelue hundred in number: The common people being there innumerable, for there was al­most none but would bee present at this So­lemnitie. All these Courtiers and Alfaqui were clad in mourning garments trayling their Royall Ensignes and Standards on the ground. That which was most to be noted, was the abundance of teares flowing from them, and the great mourning and lamenta­tion they all made that day, especially when they saw their good King laid in his Sepul­chre, and the entrance thereof closed, and fast mured vp with stone, hauing no farther hope to see him any more. Praysed bee God. A­men. For the good which commeth to vs by [Page 73]his hand. And thus ended this good King, leaning an eternall memorie of himselfe a­mong those that should come after.

The Epitaphs on his Sepulchre were com­posed by Mahomet Algazeli: and are these that follow.