InAsiaalthoughMenam，whichintheirlanguagesignifieththeMotherofRivers，andMekong，whichisnavigableformorethantwothousandmiles，andlikewiseIndusandotherroyalriversbesufficientlyinhabited，yetforallthatOb，whichisthegreatestthereamongstthem（forwhereitfallethintotheScythianOceanitiseightymilesbroad，whichmakessomementhinktheMareCaspiumdisburdenethitselfthatwayintotheOcean），hathnotanyfamouscityinit。
Afterthisanotherquestionalsoriseth，howitcomesifthecommodiousmeansofconductdoatfullaccomplishthegreatnessofacity，how，Isay，itcomestopasswhereupontheshoreofoneselfrivertheconductiseven，easyandalikeandthatcityyetisgreaterthananother？Withoutdoubtitsufficethnotalonethatthetransportationofgoodstoandfrobeeasyandcommodious，buttheremustbeelsebesidesthat，somepeculiarvirtueattractivethatmaydrawmenandalluremenmoretooneplacethantoanother，whereofweshallinthenextbookspeakmoreatlarge。
BookTwoHithertohavewespokenofaptnessofthesite，ofthefruitfulnessofthesoilandofthecommodioustransportationofcommoditiestoandfro，forthehelpandincreaseofourcity。
Letusnowseewhatthosethingsarethatmayallurethepeople（whoareofnatureindifferenttobehereorthere）tothechoiceofoneplacebeforeanothertomaketheirhabitationsin，andwhatcausethcommerceandtraffic。AndletusfirstdeclarethepropermeanstheRomanstook，andthenafterwardthemeansthatgenerallywerecommontothemandothers。
1。ThepropermeansoftheRomansThefirstmeanstheRomansusedwastheopeningofthesanctuaryandgivinglibertyandfreedomtoallthatwouldtocomeuntothem；whichRomulusdidtotheend（hisneighboursatthattimeevilentreatedbytyrants，andthecountryswarmingfullwithdiscontentedpersons）Romemightbythatmeansbethesoonerpeopledthroughthebenefitoftheirsafetytheyweresuretofindthere；neitherwashethereindeceivedawhit，forthitherflockedwiththeirgoodsanumberofpeoplethatwereeitherthrustoutoftheirhabitations，orunsafeandunsureoftheirlivesintheircountries。Butwhentheyfoundafterwardawantofwomennecessaryforpropagation，Romulusproclaimedcertaingreatandsolemnfeastsatwhichhestoleandheldawaybyforcethegreatestpartoftheyoungestwomenthatdidresorttoseethem：sothatitisnomarvelifoutofsofierceandstoutapeoplethererosesofierceandstoutanissue。
TheverysamereasoninamatterintheseourdayshathincreasedsomuchthecityofGeneva，forasmuchasithathofferedentertainmenttoallcomersoutofFranceandItalythathaveeitherforsakenorbeenexiledtheircountriesforreligion’ssake。AndthesamecountryofGermany（theycallFrancorumVallem）bythesufferanceofCasimir，oneoftheCountsPalatineoftheRhine，latererectedbytheBelgiansthatwereforreligionthrustoutoftheircountrieshavedonethelike。
CosimotheGreatDukeofTuscany，toappopulatetheportFerraio，gaveprotectiontosuchaswouldflythither，andconfinedanumberthatfortheiroffenceshadworthydeservedpunishment，whichcoursetheGreatDukeFrancishissonobservedafterwardforthepeoplingofPisaandLivorno。Butaswehaveaforesaid，itisneitherstrengthnornecessitythathavepowertomakeacityfrequented，ortoraiseituntogreatness。Forapeopleenforcedandviolentlydriventorestinoneplaceislikeuntoseedsowninthesands，whereinitnevertakethroottogrowtoripeness。
Butletusreturnuntooursanctuary。Itcannotbedeniedbutthatamoderatelibertyandalawfulplaceofsafetyverygreatlyhelpethtodrawamultitudeofpeopletoarestingplace。Andhereofitcomesthatfreecitiesareincomparisonofotherplacesmorefamousandmorereplenishedwithpeoplethancitiessubjectuntoprincesandtomonarchies。
ThesecondmeanswherewithRomeincreasedwasthattheymadethetownsthatwelldeservedofthem（whichtheyaftercalledmunicipia）tobepartakersoftheirfranchisesandoftheiroffices。Forthesehonours，tobecitizensofRome，andtoenjoythegreatprivilegesannexedtotheirenfranchisement，drewintothecityallsuchasthroughadherency，throughfavourorthroughservicedoneuntothecommonwealthmighthaveanyhopetobearofficeorruletherein，andsuchaslookednotsohighresortedyetthithertoservetheirkinsmen’sturnsortheirfriendswiththeirvoices，toadvancethemtosomegoodoffice。AndthusRomewasfrequentedandenrichedwithconcourseofaninfinitesightofpeople，bothnobleandrich，thatinparticularorincommonwhichwerehonouredwiththeenfranchisementandfreedomofRome。
ThethirdmeanswasthecontinualentertainmenttheRomansgavetocuriosity，andthatwasthegreatnumberofadmirablethingstheydidinRome。Thetriumphsofthevictoriouscaptains，thewonderfulbuildings，thebattlesonthewater，thefightsofswordplayers，thehuntingofwildbeasts，thepublicshowsandsights，theplaysofApollo，theSecularsandothers，whichwereperformedwithunspeakablepompandpreparation，andmanyothersuchlikethingsthatdrewthecuriouspeopleuntoRome。Andforasmuchasthesealluringsightswere，asitwere，perpetual，Romewasalso，asitwere，perpetuallyfullofstrangersandforeignpeople。
2。OfcoloniesWhatshallwesayofcolonies？WeretheyagoodhelptothegreatnessofRomeornot？Thattheywereagreathelptotheincreaseofthepoweritcannotbedoubted；butthattheymultipliedalsothenumberofinhabitantsitisathingsomewhatdoubtful。Howbeit，formineownopinionIshouldthinktheywereagreathelpandmeansuntoit。Forifanymanthinkbytakingthepeopleoutandsendingthemtocolonieselsewherethatthecitytherebycomesrathertodiminishthanincrease，haplyforallthatthecontrarymayhappen。Forasplantscannotprospersowellnormultiplysofastinanurserywheretheyaresetandplantedneartogetheraswheretheyaretransplantedintoanopenground，evensomenmakenosuchfruitfulpropagationofchildrenwheretheyareenclosedandshutupwithinthewallsofthecitytheyarebredandborninastheydoabroadindiversotherpartswheretheyaresentunto。Forsometimestheplagueorothercontagioussicknessordiseaseconsumeththem，sometimesfamineenforceththemtochangetheirhabitations，sometimesforeignwarstakeoutoftheworldthestoutestmenamongstthem，sometimescivilwarsmakethequietestsortforsaketheirdwellings；andfrommanypovertyandmiserytakethawaythemind，themeansandthespirittowedorthinkonpropagation。
NowtheythatmighthavediedinRomewiththeaforesaidevils，andwithoutchildren，beingremovedtootherplacesescapetheforesaidperils，and，beingbestowedincoloniesandprovidedforbothofhouseandgroundtoit，betakethemselvestowivesandchildrenandtopropagateandbreedthemupandsoincreaseinfinitely，andoftenbecomeanhundred。
Butwhatisthistothepurpose，maysomemansay？Letussupposethattheythataresentintocolonieswouldnotincreasetheircountryiftheytarriedathomehowshouldtheythenincreaseitwhentheyaresentthenceabroadtootherplaces？
Wellenough。First，becausecolonieswiththeirmotheroutofwhichtheyissuedmake，asitwere，butonebody。Thennext，becausetheloveofouroriginalcountry，whicheverymanaffecteth，andthedependencethereof（whichmanywayshelp）andthedesireandhopetoaspiretodignityandhonourwhichevermoredrawuntoittheworthiestandmostnobleminds。Bywhichmeansthecountrygrowstobemorepopulousandrich。
Whocandenybutthatthecoloniesthatissued，asitwere，outofonestock，fromAlbaLonga，andsomanybesidesasRomehathsentout，broughtnotmuchmagnificenceandgreatness，bothtotheoneandtheother？AndthatthePortugueseissuedoutofLisbon，topossessandinhabittheislandsofAzores，CapeVerde，MadeiraandothershavenotamplifiedandincreasedLisbonagreatdealmorethaniftheyhadneverremovedthencetothosesameislands？
Howbeit，trueitisifcoloniesmustincreasetheirmother，itisverynecessarythattheybenearneighbours，otherwisethroughlongdistanceofplacelovewaxethcold，andallcommerceiscutoffclean。AndthereforetheRomansforthespaceofsixhundredyearssentnotacolonyoutofItaly，andthefirstwereCarthageandNarbonne；asisatlargebeforedeclaredinmysixthbookofReasonofState，inthechapterofColonies。
AndthesebethemeanswherewiththeRomans，eitherthroughtheirsingulardexterityorexcellentwits，havedrawnstrangenationsuntotheircity。Letusnowspeakofthemeansthatothernationsalsoaswellastheyhaveusedinthiscase，whereitshallnotbefromthepurposethatwebeginatreligionfirstasatthethingthatoughttobetheheadandspringofallourworksandactions。
3。OfReligionReligionandtheworshipofGodisathingsonecessaryandofsuchimportanceaswithoutalldoubtitnotonlydrawethanumberofpeoplewithitbutalsocausethmuchcommercetogether。
Andthecitiesthatinthiskindexcelandflourishinauthorityandreputationaboveallothershavealsothebettermeanstoincreasetheirpowerandglory。
Jerusalem，asPlinywriteth，wasthechiefestandmostflourishingcityofalltheEastandprincipallyforreligionwhereofhewastheMetropolitan，asalsoofthekingdom。Thehighpriests，theprelatesandtheLeviteskepttheirresidence，thereofferedtheytheirbeasts，therecelebratedtheytheirsacrificesandrendereduntoGodtheirprayersandpetitions，thitherrepairedthriceayearallthepeoplealmostofIsrael。InsomuchasJosephusreckoneththatatthetimethatTitusVespasianlaidhissiegeuntoittherewereinthecitytwomillionsandahalfofpeople，anumberintruthverystrange，thatImaynotsayincredible，inrespectthecitywasnotmuchabovefourmilesabout。Butitiswrittenbyamanthatmighthaveperfectknowledgeofit，andhadnocausetolie。
Jeroboam，whenhewaschosenkingofIsrael，advisedlyconsideringhissubjectscouldnotlivewithoutexerciseofreligionanduseofsacrifice，andthatiftheyshouldrepairtoJerusalemtocelebrateandmaketheirsacrificehispeoplewouldsoonunitethemselveswiththetribeofJudahandtheHouseofDavid，castingreligionoffhesetupstraightidolatry。Forhecausedtobemadetwocalvesofgold，andsendingthemtotheuttermostpartsofhiskingdom，turningtohispeoplehesaiduntothem：NoliteultraascendereinHierusalem；eccediituiIsraelquiteeduxeruntdeterraAegypti。
Religionisofsuchforceandmighttoamplifycities，toamplifydominions，andofsuchavirtueattractivethatJeroboam，togivenoplacetohisCompetitorinthispartofallurementandentertainmentofthecompany，impiouslybroughtinidolatryinplaceoftruereligion。AndthismanwasthefirstthatfordesiretoreigndidopenlytreaddownthelawandalldueworshipuntoGod，andthereofgavealewdexampletoposterity。Anotablenoteintruth，notsomuchoffollyasofextremeimpiety。
Somethatarrogatetoomuchwisdomtothemselvesinmattersofstateandgovernmentsparenottosayandteachthattoholdthesubjectsindueobediencetotheirprinceman’switandpolicyprevailethmorethandivineorgodlycounsel：aspeechandinventioninverytruthratherofamiscreantandcaterpillarofacommonwealthanofaloverandafavourerofthemajestyofastate。Forsucharetheruinsofkings，theplagueofkingdoms，thescandalofChristianity，theswornenemiesoftheChurch，nayratherofGod，againstwhom，totheimitationoftheancientgiants，theybuildupanewtoweruntoBabelwhichshallbreedandbringuntothemintheendconfusionandutterruin。Quihabitatincoelisirridebiteos，etDominussubsannabiteos。
Hear，yeprinces，whattheprophetIsaiahsaithofthecounsellorsofKingPharaoh：SapientesconsiliariiPharaonisdederuntconsiliuminsipiens；deceperuntAegyptumangulumpopulorumeius。Dominusmiscuitinmedioeiusspiritumvertiginis，eterrarefeceruntAegyptuminomnioperesuo，sicuterratebriusetvomens。
IfthisplacewouldsufferitIcouldeasilyshowthatthegreatestpartofthelossofstatesandruinsofChristianprinceshaveproceededofthisaccursedvarianceinreligion，throughthewhichwearedisarmedanddeprivedoftheprotectionandfavourofAlmightyGod，andhavethrustintothehandsoftheTurksandCalviniststheweaponsandthescourgesofGod’sDivinejusticeagainstus。ButitsufficethheretoadviseprincesthattreaddownthelawsofGodbythatpreposterousandwickedkindofgovernmentthattheylearnofJeroboamandfeartheissueofhimwhoseactstheyimitate，thattheymayhereafterthebetterbewarebyothermen’sharms。ForinrevengeofhisimpietyGodraisedupagainstNadabhissontheKingBaasha，whoslewhimandallhisrace。Nondimisitneunamquidemanimamdesemineeius，donecdelereteam。Butletusreturnwhereweleft。
Ofwhatstrengthandpowertomakeaplacepopulousreligionprovestobe，andtohavetheopinionofsomefamousrelicornotableargumentofGod’sdivineassistance，orsomeauthorityintheadmiration，administrationandgovernmentofecclesiasticalcauses，LoretoinItaly，St。MichelinFrance，GuadalupeandCompostelainSpaindoallofthemdeclareandmanifestitplain；
andmanyplacesmorebesides，thoughsolitaryanddesert，thoughsharpandrocky，untothewhichfornorespectbutfordevotion’ssakeandpietypeopledailydoresortinfinitelyinflocksfromthefarthestpartsthatare。
Andnomarvelifyoulookintoitthoroughly。ForthereisnotanythinginthisworldofmoreefficacyandforcetoallureanddrawtoittheheartsofmenthanGod，whichisthesummumbonum。Heiscarefullydesiredandsoughtforcontinuallyofallcreatureswhatsoever，withsoulorwithout，forallregardHimastheirlastend。Lightthingsseektheirsummumbonumabove，heavythingsbeneath，withinthecentreofthisearth；theheavens，intheirrevolutions，theherbsintheirflowers，thetreesintheirfruits，beastsinthepreservationoftheirkind，andman，inseekinghistranquillityofmindandeverlastingjoy。
ButforasmuchasGodisofsohighanatureasthesenseofmancannotattaintoit，soshiningbrightastheeyeofman’sunderstandingcannotconceiveit，everymandirectlyturnshimtothatplacewhereheleavessomeprintofhispower，ordeclaressomesignofhisassistance；whichordinaryhavebeenandareseenonthemountainsorthedeserts。
IsnotthenRomeindebtedmuchforhermagnificenceandgreatnesstothebloodofthemartyrs，totherelicsofsaints，totheholyconsecratedplaces，andtothesupremeauthorityinbeneficialandspiritualcauses？Wouldshenotbecomeaverywilderness，iftheopinionoftheholinessoftheplacesdrewnottheinnumerablesightofpeoplefromtheuttermostpartsoftheearth？Wouldshenotbecomeadesertiftheapostolicseatandthepowerofthekeyscausednotaninestimablemultitudeofpeopledailytorepairuntoitforsomebusinessorother？
Milan，amostpopulousandfamouscity，shalleverbeawitnesswhatpraiseandglory，andhowmuchincreaseithathgottenbythesingularpietyandreligiouslifeofthatgreatCardinalBorromeo。Princesresorted，evenfromtheuttermostendsofthesouth，tovisithim；bishopsmadeaccessfromallpartstoconsultwithhimforhisopinioninanycontroversiesthatsprangamongstthem；theclergylikewiseharkeneduntohiscounsels，andthereligiouspeopleofallnationsheldMilanfortheircountryandthehouseofthatgodlymanfortheirport，hisliberalityfortheirrefugeandhisgodlylifeforamostfairandclearglassofecclesiasticaldisciplineforallmentolookintoandtotakeexampleby。
IshouldhaplybetoolongifIshoulddeclareuntoyouwithwhatsingularpraiseandcommendationhecelebratedeveryyearhissynods，andwithwhatmagnificencyhevisitedeveryyearhisprovinces，howmanychurchesheeitherbuiltnewor，beingold，setingoodorder，howmanyheadornedandbeautified，howmanymonasteriesofmenandwomenheerected，howmanywell—orderedcollegesofyoungmenandseminariesofpriestsheinstituted，howmanysortsofacademieshesetupandfoundedtotheinestimablegoodofthepeople，howmanykindsofentertainmentsandpromotionshebestoweduponartsandonartificers。AndI
shouldneverendifIshouldrecountthematterandthemeanswherewithbyamplifyingGod’sserviceandadvancingofreligionheincreasedalsothecity，anddoubledtheconcourseofpeopleuntoMilan。
4。OfschoolsandstudiesThecommodityoflearnedschoolsisofnosmallmomenttodrawpeople，especiallyyoungmen，toacityofwhosegreatnessweareinspeech。Forinasmuchastherebetwomeansformenofwitandcouragetorisetosomedegreeofhonourandreputationintheworld，theonebyarms，theotherbybook，thefirstissoughtforinthefield，withthespearandthesword，andthelastintheacademy，withpenandbook。
Andforasmuchasmenlongforhonourorforprofit，andofliberalartsandsciencessomebringcertainwealthtomenandsomepromotionsandprefermentstohonourablefunctions，itisathingofnosmallimportancethatinacitytherebeprovidedanacademyorsuchaschoolasyoungmen，desiroustoattaintovirtueandlearning，maytherebyhaveoccasiontorepairratherthitherthantoanyotherplace。Andthatwillbeeffectedsoonifbesidesthecommodityoftheschoolandgoodteacherstheymayenjoyconvenientimmunitiesandprivileges。Isayconvenient，forthatIwouldnothaveimpunityaffordeduntofaults，norlicencegiventofalltoviceandwickedness，buthonestlibertyallowedtothemthattheymaythemorecommodiouslyandcheerfullyattendtotheirstudies。
Fortosaytruth，studyisamatterofgreatlabourandtravail，bothofthemindandbody。AndthereuponourforefathersintimespastcalledthegoddessofartsandsciencesMinerva，becausethetoilofspeculationweakeneththestrengthandcutsthesinews。Foranafflictedbodyafflictethmanytimesthemind，whereofgrowethmelancholyandsadness。Andthereforeitstandswithgoodreasonthatallconvenientprivilegeandlibertybegranteduntoscholarsthatmaymaintainthemincontentedandcheerfulminds；butnodissolutenessallowedinanywiseuntothem，whereoftheacademiesinItalyaregrowntoofull。Forthepenisthereturnedintoapoignard，andthedwellintoaflaskandtouch—boxforagun，thedisputationsintobloodybrawlings，theschoolsintolists，andthescholarsintocuttersandtohacksters。Honestyistherefloutedatandscorned，andbashfulnessandmodestyaccountedadiscreditandashame。Sothatayoungmanthatwerelikeenoughtoleadthemodestandsoberlifeofagoodstudentshallhavemuchtodoifhescapetobeundone。Butletusleavecomplaints；andyetImustneedssaythismuchfirst：noacademycanflourisharight，withoutquarrels，cardsanddicebebanishedquite，andcleancastout。
FrancistheFirst，KingofFrance，becausethescholarsoftheUniversityofParis（whichinhistimewerealmostaninfinitesight）shouldhavecommodityandmeanstotaketheairandtorecreatethemselveswithhonestexercises，heassignedthemagreatmeadownearthecityandtheriverwherewithoutletortroubletothemtheymightdisportandsolacethemselvesattheirwillandpleasure。Theretheyfelltowrestling，theretheyplayedatthebarriers，attheballandthefootball，theredidtheycastthesledgeandleapandrun，withsuchcheerfulnessandpastimeasitdelightedthebeholdersthereofnolessthanthemselves。Andsoceasethbythismeanstheclatterandthenoiseofweaponsandofarmour，andalsoplayatcardsanddice。
Forthesamereasonsitisnecessarythatthecitywhereinyouwillfoundanacademybeofanwholesomeair，andofapleasantanddelightfulsituation，wheretheremaybebothrivers，fountains，springsandwoods。Forthesethingsofthemselves，withoutanyotherhelp，areapttodelightandcheerupthespiritsandmindsofstudents。SuchwereintimespastAthensandRhodes，whereallgoodartsandlearningflourishedmostaboveallother。
GaleazzoVisconti（besidestheseinvitingsandallurements）
beingearnestlydesiroustoillustrateandappopulatePavia，wasthefirstthatforbadhissubjects，underagreatpain，togoanywhereelsetostudy，whichcoursesomeprinceselseofItalyhathsincehistimefollowed。
Butthesearemeansfullofdistrustandtrouble。Thehonourableandnotablemeanstoretainsubjectsintheircountry，andtodrawstrangersalsohometoit，istoprocurethemmeansofhonestrecreation，toprovidethemplentyofvictual，tomaintaintothemtheirprivileges，togivethemoccasiontorisetodegreesofhonourbytheirlearnedexercises，tomakeaccountofgoodwits，andtorewardthemwell，butabovealltostorethemwithplentyofdoctorsandlearnedmenofgreatfameandreputation。
ThegreatPompeywasnotashamedtoenterintotheschools；
foraftertheyhadconqueredalltheEasthewenttotheschoolsatRhodestoheartheprofessorstheredispute。
ButforafargreaterreasonSigismundKingofPolandgaveastraitcommandmentthatnoneofhissubjectsshouldwanderoutofhiskingdomtostudyanywhereelse（andtheCatholicKingcommandedthelikenotmanyyearssince）。Anditwastothisend，thathissubjectsshouldnotbeinfectedwiththeheresiesthatbeganinthetimeofKingSigismundandareattheheightintheseourdaysthroughoutalltheprovincesofthenorth。
5。OftheplaceofjusticeOurlives，ourhonourandoursubstanceareallinthehandsofthejudge。Forloveandcharityfailinginallplaces，theviolenceandcovetousnessofwickedmendothdailythemoreincrease，fromwhom，ifthejudgesdonotdefendus，ourbusinesswhatsoeverwedowillillgoforward。Forthiscausecitiesthathaveroyalaudience，senators，parliamentsorothersortsandkindsofcourtsofjusticemustneedsbemuchfrequented，aswellforconcourseofpeoplethathavecauseofsuituntoit，asalsofortheexecutionofjustice。Foritcannotbeministeredwithoutthehelpofmanypresidents，Imeansenators，advocates，proctors，solicitors，notariesandsuchlike。Nay，morethanthat（whichitgrievesmetothinkon）expeditionofjusticecannotbehadintheseourdayswithoutreadymoney。Fornothingintheworlddothmakemenrunsofastascurrentmoney。Fortheadamantisnotofsuchforcetodrawironuntoit，asgoldistoturntheeyesandthemindsofmenthiswayandthatwayandwhichwaytheylist。Andthereasonisplain，becausegold，eventhroughtheveryvirtuethereof，containethinitallgreatness，allcommoditiesandallearthlygoodwhatsoever。Tobeshort，hethathathmoneyhath，youmaysay，allworldlythingsthataretobehad。
Inthesedays，throughtheplentyofmoneywhichtheadministrationofjusticedothcarrywithit，themetropolitancities，iftheymaynothavethewholeadministrationofcivilandcriminalcauses，theywillyetreserveatleastuntothemthechiefestcausesandallappeals；whichiswelldoneformatterofstate（whereofthejudicialauthorityisaprincipalmemberbythemeanswhereoftheyarethepatronsandprotectorsofthelifeandgoodsofthesubject）。Buttheremustbearegardtotheprofitthatwehavepointedat。
Thisgoescurrentinallplaces，especiallywhereinjudicialcausestheydoproceedaccordingtothecommonuseandcourseofthelawsoftheRomans，forthatcourseandformislongerandrequirethmoreministersthantheother。
InEnglandandScotland，butespeciallyinTurkey，whereashortcourseistakenintrialofallcauseseven，asitwere，atthefirstsittingofthejudge，itprofitethlittletoincreasethegreatnessofacitytoholdpleasthere。Forasmuchasdifficultandhardcausesareinanafternoon，asitwere，decidedthereandended，ifsufficientwitnessbeproducedatthehearingofthecause。Theseadjournmentsandmanytermsaretherecutoff，andinstruments，process，officersandmediatorshavetherenoplace。Withafewblowsgiventheycometothehalfsword；sothatthetime，theexpense，andthenumberofpersonsarefarlessandmuchfewerthanthecivillawsdorequire。
IspeaknotthesethingstotheendIwouldhavecausesprolongedandsuitsmadeeternal。Fortheyaretoolongalready，withoutmoreado，and，indoingjustice，delay（whichreceivethnoexcusebycolourorpretenceofwarinessandcaretocommitnoerror）isveryplaininjustice。Andtherefore，inourcitywespeakofhere，itshallbeverynecessaryandexpedienttohaveinitaprincipalseatofjusticeandcourseofsuitsandpleasdependingonit。
6。OfindustryForasmuchasIhavealreadysufficientlysaidmymindconcerningindustryandartinmineeighthbookoftheReasonofState，whereinIhaveatlargediscoursedconcerningthepropagationofstates，Iwillthereforeforbrevity’ssakereferthegentlereaderuntothatsamechapter。
7。OfprivilegesThepeopleareintheseourdayssogrievouslyoppressedandtaxedbytheirprinces，whoaredriventoitpartlyofcovetousnessandpartlyofnecessity，thattheygreedyembracetheleasthopethatmaybeofprivilegeandfreedomwhensoeveritisoffered。thereofthemarts，fairsandmarketsbeargoodwitness，whicharefrequentedwithamightyconcourseoftradesmen，merchantsandpeopleofallsorts，notforanyrespectelsebutthattheyaretherefreeandfrankfromcustomsandexactions。
InourdaystheprincelycityofNaples，throughtheexemptionsandfreedomsgrantedtotheinhabitants，ismostnoblyincreased，bothinbuildingsandinpeople；anditwouldhaveincreasedagreatdealmoreifthroughthegriefsandsuitsofthebaronstherewhoselandswereunfurnishedofpeople，orforsomeotherpeculiarreason，theKingofSpainhadnotseverelyforbiddentoenlargeitwithfurtherbuildings。
ThecitiesinFlandersarethemostmerchantableandthemostfrequentedcitiesforcommerceandtrafficthatareinallEurope。Ifyourequirethecause，surelytheexemptionsfromcustomisthechiefestcauseofit。Forthemerchandisethatisbroughtinandcarriedout（anditisinfinitethatisbroughtinandcarriedout）paidbutaverysmallcustom。
Allsuchashaveerectednewcitiesintimespast，todrawconcourseofpeopletoithavegrantedofnecessitylargeimmunitiesandprivileges，atleasttothefirstinhabitantsthereof。Thelikehavetheydonethathaverestoredcitiesemptiedwiththeplague，consumedwiththewars，orafflictedotherwisewithsomeotherscourgeofGod。
TheplaguementionedbyBoccaccio，thatlanguishedallItalynearthreeyearstogether，wassofiercethatfromMarchtoJulyittookoutoftheworldaboutanhundredthousandsoulswithinFlorence。ItslewalsosuchanumberwithinVeniceasinamanneritbecameadesert，sothattheSenate，tohaveitreinhabited，causedproclamationtobemadethatallsuchaswouldcomethitherwiththeirfamiliesanddwelltheretwoyearstogethershouldhavethefreedomofthecity。ThesamecommonwealthofVenicehathbeenalsomorethanoncedeliveredoutofextremenecessityofvictualsbypromisingprivilegeandfreedomtosuchasbroughtthemcorn。
8。OfhavinginherpossessionsomemerchandiseofmomentItwillalsogreatlyhelptodrawpeopletoourcityifshehavesomegoodstoreofvendiblemerchandisealwaysinherpossession，whichhaplymaybewhere，throughthegoodnessofthesoil，eitherallofitdothgrow，oragreatpart，orthatatleastwhichismoreexcellentthanother：all，astheclovesintheMoluccas，thefrankincenseandsweet—smellinggumsinSabaea，thebalsaminPalestine；orwhereagoodpartofitdothgrow，aspepperdothinCalicutandcinnamoninCeylon；orwhereitismostexcellent，assaltisinCyprus，sugarsatMadeiraandwoolinsomecitiesofSpainandEngland。Thereisalsotobeaddeduntothistheexcellencyofartandworkmanshipwhich，throughthequalityofthewaterortheskillandcunningoftheinhabitants，orsomehiddenmysteryoftheirs，orothersuchlikecause，chancethtobeinoneplacemoreexcellentthananother，asthearmourinDamascusandinShiraz，tapestryinArras，rashinFlorence，velvetsinGenoa，clothofgoldandsilverinMilan，andscarletinVenice。
Andtothispurpose，IcannotpassitoverbutImustdeclareuntoyouthatinChinaallartsinamatterflourishinthehighestdegreeofexcellencythatmaybe，formanyreasonsbutamongsttherestchieflyforthis，becausethechildrenareboundtofollowtheirfather’smysteryandtrade。Sothatforasmuchastheyareborn，asitwere，witharesolutemindtofollowtheirfather’sart，andthefathershidenotfromthemanything，butteachthemandinstructthemwithallaffection，assiduity，diligenceandcare，workmanshipisbythismeanstheregrowntothatfullnessofexcellencyandperfectionthatmaybepossiblydesired；asmaybeseeninthesefewworksthatarebroughtoutofChinatothePhilippines，fromthePhilippinestoMexico，andfromMexicotoSeville。Butletusreturntoourpurpose。
Therearealsosomeothercitiesmastersofsomecommodities，notbecausethegoodsdogrowintheircountryorbewroughtbytheirinhabitants，butbecausetheyhavecommandeitherofthecountryoroftheseathatisnearthem：thecommandofthecountry，asSeville，untowhichinfinitewealthandrichesarebroughtfromNovaHispaniaandPeru；thecommandofthesea，asLisbon，whichbythismeansdrawethtoitthepepperofCochinandthecinnamonofCeylonandotherrichesoftheIndies，whichcannotbebroughtbyseabutbythem，orundertheirleaveandlicence。
AfterthesamesortinamatterVenice，aboutfour—scoreandtenyearsagone，wasLadyoftheSpiceries，forbeforethePortuguesepossessedtheIndiesthesethingsbeingbroughtbytheRedSeatoSuez，andfromthenceuponcamels’backstoCairo，andafterthatbyNileintoAlexandria，thereweretheyboughtupbytheVenetianswhosentthithertheirgreatargosies，andwithincredibleprofittothemcarriedtheminamatterintoallthepartsofEurope。
ButallthiscommerceandtradeisnowquiteturnedtoLisbon，untowhichplace，byanewway，thespiceries（takenasitwereoutofthehandsoftheMoorsandTurks）beyearlybroughtbythePortuguese，andthensoldtotheSpaniards，Frenchmen，Englishmenandtoallthenorthernparts。ThiscommerceandtradeisofsuchimportanceasitaloneisenoughtoenrichallPortugalandtomakeitplentifulofallthings。
Therearesomeothercitiesalsolords，asitwere，ofmuchmerchandiseandtraffic，bymeansoftheircommodioussituationtomanynations，towhomtheyserveofwarehouseroomandstorehouses：suchareMalaccaandOrmuzintheEast，Alexandria，Constantinople，MessinaandGenoaintheMediterraneanSea，Antwerp，Amsterdam，DanzigandNarvaintheNorthernSeas，andFrankfurtandNuremberginGermany。Inwhichcitiesmanygreatmerchantsexercisetheirtrafficandmaketheirwarehouses，untothewhichthenationsthereuntoadjoiningusetoresorttomaketheirprovisionsofsuchthingsastheyneedbecausetheyhavecommodiousmeansfortransportationofit。Andthisconsistethinthelargenessandthesafenessoftheports，intheopportunityandfitnessofthegulfsandcreeksoftheseas，inthenavigableriversthatcomeintothecities，orrunbyornearthem，inthelakesandchattels；asalsowherethewaysbeplainandsafe。
Andheretothepurpose，becauseIspeakofways，IcannotpassoverthosetwowayswhichthekingsofCuzco（calledintheirlanguageIncas）inthelongprocessoftimecutoutthroughouttheirdominion，abouttwothousandmilesinlength，sopleasant，socommodious，soplainandsolevelastheygivenoplacetothemagnificentworksoftheRomans。Forthereshallyouseesteepandhighhillslaidevenwiththeplain，anddeepvalleysfilledup，andhorriblehugestonescutinpieces；thereshallyouseethetreesthatareplantedhereandthere，inexcellentgoodorderevenbyaline，yieldbothwiththeirshadeacomfortandwiththecharmofthebirdsthatthereaboundingreatplenty，amarvellousdelightandpleasuretothetravellersthatpassthoseways。Neitheraretherewantingonthosewaysmanygoodinnsforlodgingandforentertainment，plentifulofallnecessarythings，norpalacesandgoodlybuildingsthatineminentandopenplaces，asitwere，tomeetyou，presentyouwithapleasantandbeautifulshowoftheirexcellencyandrareness；norpleasanttowns，norsweetcountries，norathousandotherdelightsandpleasurestofeedboththeeyewithvarietyandthemindwithadmirationattheinfiniteeffects，partlywroughtbynatureandpartlybythehandiworkofman。Buttoreturntoourpurpose。
Itisagoodmatterandagreathelptoaprincetoknowthenaturalsiteofhiscountry，andwithjudgmenttohaveanunderstandinghowtoamenditbyartandindustry。As，forexample，todefendhisportswithrampiersandwithbulwarks，tomaketheladingandunladingofmerchandisebothquickandeasy，toscourtheseasofpiratesandofrovers，tomaketheriversnavigable，tobuildstorehousesaptandlargeenoughtocontaingreatquantityofwares，andtodefendandmaintainthewaysaswellontheplainsasonthemountainsandhillyplaces。
InthispointthekingsofChinahavedeservedallpraisethatmaybe。Fortheyhavewithanincredibleexpenseandchargepavedwithstoneallthehighwaysofthatmostfamouskingdom，andhavemadestonebridgesovermightygreatrivers，andcutinsunderhillsandmountainsofinestimableheightandcraggedness。
Theyhavealsostrewedtheplainsandbottomswithveryfairstone，sothatamanmaytherepasseitheronhorseorafootaswellinthewinterasinthesummertime，andmerchandisemaybeeasilycarriedtoandfrotherebyload，eitheroncartsoronhorse，mulesorcamels。
Andinthispoint，nodoubt，someprincesinItalyaremuchtoblame，inwhosecountriesinthewinter—timehorsesarebemiredinsloughsuptothebelly，andcartsarestabledandsetfastinthetoughdirtandmire。Sothatcarriagesbycartorhorsearetherebyverycumbersome，andajourneythatmightbewelldispatchedinadaycanhardlybeperformedinthreeorfour。AndthewaysareasbadinmanypartsofFrance，asinthecountryofPoitiers，Saintonge，BeauceandinBurgundy。Butthisisnoplacetocensuresofamousprovinces，andthereforeletusproceed。
9。OfdominionandpowerThegreatestmeanstomakeacitypopulousandgreatistohavesupremeauthorityandpower；forthatdrawethdependencywithit，anddependencyconcourse，andconcoursegreatness。Inthecitiesthathavejurisdictionandpoweroverothers，aswellthepublicwealthasthewealthofprivatemenisdrawnbydiversartsandmeansuntothem。Thitherdorepairtheambassadorsofprinces，andtheagentsofdukesandcommonwealths，therearethegreatestcausesheard，aswellcriminalascivil，andallappealsarebroughttotrialthere。Therearethesuitsandcauses，aswellofmenofqualityasofthecommonwealandcommonpersonsdebatedanddecided，therevenuesofthestatearetherelaidup，andtherespentoutagainwhenthereisneed。Therichestcitizensofothercountriesseektoallythemselvesandtogetanhabitationthere。
Outofallwhichcauseshererecitedtheremustneedsfollowanabundanceofwealthandriches，amoststrongandforciblebaittoallureanddrawforththemerchants，theartificersandthepeopleofallsortsthatliveupontheirlabourandtheirservice，torunamainfromthefurthestcoastsuntoit。Afterthissortacitysoonincreasethbothinmagnificencyofbuilding，inmultitudeofpeopleandabundanceofwealth，andalsogrowethtotheproportionofaprincipality。
Thetruthwhereofthesecitiesallofthemdeclareitplain，thateitherhavehadorhaveanynotablejurisdictioninthem；
Pisa，Siena，Genoa，Lucca，FlorenceandBrescia，whosecountriesdoextendanhundredmilesinlengthandfortyinbreadth，andnotonlycontainthemostfruitfulandfertileplainsbutalsomanyrichandgoodlyvalleys，manytownsandcastlesthathaveaboveathousandhousesinthemanddofeedverynearthreehundredandfortythousandpersons。ManyfreeandimperialcitiesinGermanyareliketothese：Nuremberg，LubeckandAachen，andsuchwasGhentinFlanders，thatwhenthestandardwasadvancedandspreadsentoutatonceanhundredthousandmenofwar。
IspeaknothereofSparta，Carthage，Athens，RomenorVenice，whosegreatnessgrewasfastastheirpower，evensofarthat，topasstherest，Carthage，intheheightofherprideandglory，wastwenty—fourmilesabout，andRomewasfiftybesidesthesuburbs，whichwereinamattersoinfiniteandgreatasontheonesidetheyextendedeventoOstiaandontheotherside，inamatter，toUtricoli，androundabouttheyoccupiedandpossessedamightydealofthecountry。Butletusproceed，fortothischapterbelongethallthatshallbesaidhereafteroftheresidenceofprinces。
10。OftheresidencyofthenobilityAmongstothercauseswhythecitiesofItalyareordinarilygreaterthanthecitiesofFranceorotherpartsofEurope，itisnotofsmallimportancethis，thatthegentlemeninItalydodwellincities，andinFranceintheircastles，whichareforthemostpartpalacescompassedandsurroundedwithmoatsfullofwater，andfencedwithwallsandtowerssufficienttosustainasuddenassault。
AndalthoughthenoblemenofItalydoalsothemselvesmagnificentlydwellinthevillages，asyoumayseeaboutthecountriesofFlorence，VeniceandGenoa，whicharefullofbuildingsbothfortheworthinessofthematterandtheexcellencyoftheworkmanshipfittobeanornamentandanhonourrathertoakingdomthantoacity，yetnotwithstanding，thesebuildingsgenerallyaremoresumptuousandmorecommoninFrancethantheyareinItaly。FortheItaliandividethhisexpenseandendeavourspartinthecity，partinthecountry，butthegreaterparthebestowsinthecity。ButtheFrenchmanemploysallthathemaywhollyinthecountry，regardingthecitylittleornothingatall；foraninnserveshisturnwhenheneeds。
Howbeit，experienceteacheththeresidenceofnoblemenincitiesmakesthemtobemoregloriousandmostpopulousnotonlybecausetheybringtheirpeopleandtheirfamiliesuntoit，butalsomorebecauseanoblemandispendethmuchmorelargely，throughtheaccessoffriendsuntohimandthroughtheemulationofothers，inacitywhereheisabidingandvisitedcontinuallybyhonourablepersonages，thanhespendethinthecountry，wherehelivethamongstthebrutebeastsofthefieldandconversethwithplaincountrypeopleandgoesapparelledamongsttheminplainandsimplegarments。Gorgeousandgallantbuildingsnecessitymustalsofollow，andsundryartsofallsortsandkindsmustneedsincreasetoexcellencyandfullperfectionincitieswherenoblemendomaketheirresidence。
ForthiscausetheIncaofPeru，thatis，thekingofPeru，meaningtoennobleandmakegreathisroyalcityofCuzcowouldnotonlythathiscaciquesandhisbaronsshouldinhabitthere，buthedidalsocommandthateveryoneofthemshoulderectandbuildapalacethereinfortheirdwelling；whichwhentheyhadperformed，eachstrivingwiththeotherwhoshoulderectthefairest，thatcityinshorttimegrewwithmostprincelybuildingstobemagnificentandgreat。SomedukesofLombardyhaveinourdaysattemptedsuchathing。
TigranesKingofArmenia，whenhesetupthegreatTigranocertaenforcedagreatnumberofgentlemenandhonourablepersons，withothersofgreatwealthandsubstance，toremovethemselvesthitherwithalltheirgoodswhatsoever，sendingforthasolemnproclamationwithalthatwhatgoodssoeverwerenotbroughtthithershouldbeconfiscateclean。
AndthisisthecausethatVeniceinshorttimeincreasedsonotablyinherbeginning。FortheythatfledoutofthecountriesthereadjoiningintotheislandswhereVeniceismiraculouslyseated，asitwere，werenoblepersonagesandrich，andthitherdidtheycarrywiththemalltheirwealthandsubstance，withthewhich，givingthemselvesthroughtheopportunityofthatgulftonavigationandtotraffic，theybecamewithinawhileownersandmastersofthecityandoftheislandsthereuntoadjoining；andwiththeirwealthandrichestheyeasilyennobledthecountrywithmagnificentandgorgeousbuildings，andwithinestimabletreasure，andintheendbroughtittothatgreatnessandpowerinwhichwedobothseeitandadmireitatthispresent。
11。OftheresidencyoftheprinceFortheveryselfsamecauseswehavealittlebeforedeclaredinthechapterofdominionandpower，itdothinfinitelyavailtothemagandmakingcitiesgreatandpopuloustheresidencyoftheprincetherein，accordingtothegreatnessofwhoseempireshedothincrease。Forwheretheprinceisresidenttherealsotheparliamentsareheld，andthesupremeplaceofjusticeistherekept。Allmattersofimportancehaverecoursetothatplace，allprincesandallpersonsofaccount，ambassadorsofprincesandofcommonwealths，andallagentsofcitiesthataresubjectmaketheirrepairthither；allsuchasaspireandthirstafterofficesandhonoursrunthitheramainwithemulationanddisdainatothers。Thitheraretherevenuesbroughtthatpertainuntothestate，andtherearetheydisposedoutagain。Byallwhichmeanscitiesmustneedsincreaseapaceitmayeasilybeconceivedbytheexamples，inamatter，ofallthecitiesofimportanceandofname。
TheancientestkingdomwasthatofEgypt，whoseprinceskepttheircourtpartlyinThebesandpartlyinMemphis，bymeanswhereofthosetwocitiesgrewtomightygreatnessandtobeautifulandsumptuousbuildings。ForasmuchasThebes（whichHomercallspoeticallytheCityofaHundredGates）wasincircuit（asDiodoruswriteth）seventeenmilesabout，andwasbeautifulwithproudandstatelybuildingsbothpublicandprivate，andalsofullofpeople。AndMemphiswasbutlittleless。
Inafterages，otherkingssucceeding（whichwerecalledPtolemies）theykepttheircourtinAlexandria，whichdidbythatmeansmightilyincreaseinbuildings，inpeople，inreverentreputationtakenofit，andininestimablewealthandriches；andtheothertwocitiesaforesaid，thatbytheruinofthatkingdomfallingfirstundertheChaldeansandafterwardunderthePersianswereexceedinglydecayed，arenowutterlydefaced。
TheSultansafterthatforsakingAlexandriadrewthemselvestoCairowhich，evenforthisverycausebecame（withinalittletimetospeakof）acitysopopulousasithathgotten，notwithoutgoodcause，thenameoftheGreatCairo。ButtheSultans，becausetheythoughtthemselvesnottobesecureinrespectoftheinnumerablemultitude，ifsogreatapeopleshouldperchanceriseupinarmsagainstthem，divideditwithlargeandmanyditchesfilledfullofwater，sothatitmightappearnotonecityalonebutmanylittletownsunitedandjoinedtogether。Atthisdayitisdividedintothreetownsalittlemiledistantonefromanother，whosenamesarethese：Bulak，oldCairoandnewCairo。Itissaidtherearesixteenthousandor（asAriostowriteth）eighteenthousandgreatstreetsinit，thatareeverynightshutupwithirongates。Itmaybeeightmilesabout，withinwhichcompass，forthatthesepeopledwellnotsoatlargenorsocommodiouslyforeaseaswedo，butforthemostpartwithintheground，stowedupasitwere，andcrowdedandthrusttogether，thereissuchaninfinitemultitudeofthemastheycannotbenumbered。
Theplague，inamatter，neverleaveththem，buteveryseventhyeartheyfeelitmostexceedingly。Andifitdispatchnotoutofthewayabovethreehundredthousand，theycountitbutaflea—bite。InthetimeoftheSultansthatcitywasaccountedtostandtohealthwhenastherediednotinitaboveathousandpersonsinaday。AndletthissufficethatIhavesaidofCairo，whichisofsogreatafameintheworldatthisday。
InAssyria，thekingsmadetheirresidenceinNineveh，whosecircuitwasfourhundredandeightyfurlongsabout，whichcomestothreescoremiles。Andinlengthitwas（asDiodoruswriteth）
onehundredandfiftyfurlongs。Thesuburbsthereofnodoubtmustneedsbesidesthatbeverylarge。FortheScriptureaffirmeththatNinevehwasgreat，threedaysjourneytopassitover。
Diodoruswriteth，therewasneveranycityafterthatsetupofsogreatacircuitandofsohugeagreatness。Fortheheightofthewallswasanhundredfoot，thebreadthabletocontainthreecartsabreasttogether，towersinthewallsathousandandfivehundred，inheightanhundredfoot，asVivessaith。
TheresidenceofthekingsofChaldeawasinBabylon。Thiscitywasincompassfourhundredandfourscorefurlongs，sowritesHerodotus。Herwallswerewidefiftycubits，hightwohundredandmore。Aristotlemakethitmuchgreater，forhewritesthatitwassaidinhistimethatwhenBabylonwastakenitwasthreedaysereoneparttookknowledgeoftheconquest。ThepeoplethereofweresuchanumberastheydurstofferbattleuntoCyrus，thegreatestandthemightiestkingforpowerthateverwasofPersia。Semiramisdidbuildit，butNebuchadnezzardidmightilyincreaseit。WhenitwasruinatedafterwardatthecominginoftheScythiansandotherpeopleinthosecountries，itwasre—edifiedbyoneBugiasarEmperoroftheSaracenswhospentuponiteighteenmillionsofgold。JoviuswriteththatevenatthisdayitisgreaterthanRome，ifyourespectthecompassoftheancientwalls；buttherearenotonlywoodstohuntinandfieldsfortillage，butalsoorchardsandlargegardensinit。
ThekingsofMediamadetheirresidenceinEcbatana，thekingsofPersiainPersepolis，ofwhosegreatnessthereisnootherargumentthanconjecture。InourtimethekingsofPersiahavemadetheirresidenceinTauris，andastheirempireisnotsogreatasithathbeen，soalsoneitheristheircityofthegreatest。Itisincompass，forallthat，aboutsixteenmiles，yea，somesaymore。Itisalsoverylong，andhathmanygardensinit，butitiswithoutanywall，athingcommon，inamatter，toallthecitiesinPersia。
InTartaryandintheOrientalAsia，throughthepowerofthosegreatprinces，arefargreatercitiesthaninanypartselseintheworld。TheTartarshaveatthisdaytwogreatempires，whereoftheoneisoftheMongolianTartars，theotheroftheCathayans。TheMongolianTartarshaveinourtimeincrediblyenlargedtheirdominion，forMahommedtheirprince，notcontentedwithhisancientconfines，subduednotmanyyearssince，inamatter，allthateverliethbetweenGangesandIndus。
ThechiefcityofMogoraisSamarkand，whichwasincrediblyenrichedbythegreatTamburlanewiththespoilsofallAsia，wherelikeanhorribletempestordeadlyragingfloodhethrewdowntothegroundthemostancientandworthiestcities，andcarriedfromthencetheirwealthandriches。Andtospeakofnoneother，heonlytookfromDamascuseightthousandcamelsladenwithrichspoilsandchoicestmovablegoods。Thiscityhathbeenofsuchgreatnessandpowerthatinsomeancientreportswereaditmadeoutfortythousandhorse。Butatthisdayitisnotofsuchmagnificencyandgreatness，throughthedominionoftheempire。ForasafterthedeathofthegreatTamburlaneitwassuddenlydividedintomanypartsbyhisfoursons，soisitlikewiseinourtimedividedamongstthesonsofMahommed，whohathlastofallsubduedCambay。
AndforasmuchasIhavemadementionofCambayImusttellyouthereareinthatkingdomtwomemorablecities：theoneisCambayandtheotheriscalledChitor。Cambayisofsuchgreatnessthatithathgottenthenameofaprovince。Somewritethatitdothcontainonehundredandfiftythousandhouses；tothewhichallow，ascommonlythematteris，toeveryhousefivepersonsanditwillthencometolittlelessthaneighthundredthousandinhabitants。Butsomemakeittobemuchless。Howbeit，inanysorthowsoeveritisamostfamouscity，thechiefestofamostrichkingdom，andtheseatofamostmightyking，thatbroughttotheenterpriseagainstMahommedKingoftheMongolsfivehundredthousandfootmenandahundredandfiftythousandhorsemen，whereofthirtythousandwerearmedafterthematterofourmen—at—arms。Chitoristwelvemilesabout，andisacitysomagnificentofbuildings，sobeautifulforgoodlystreetsandsofullofdelightsandpleasuresthatfewothercitiesdocomenearit，anditisforthatcausecalledbythepeoplethatinhabitthere，theShadowoftheHeavens。IthathbeeninourtimethecityofresidencyoftheQueenCrementina，who，becausesherebelledfromthesaidkingofCambay，waswithmainforcedeprivedthereofintheyear1536。
TheemperoroftheCathayanTartars（commonlycalledtheGreatCham）derivethhimselffromthegreatGenghis，whowasthefirstthatthreeyearsagonecameoutofScythiaAsiaticawithavaliantexpeditionandpowerofarms，andmadethenameoftheTartarsfamous。ForhesubduedChinaandmadeagreatpartofIndiatributaryuntohim；hewastedPersia，andmadeAsiatotremble。ThesuccessorsofthisgreatprincemadetheirresidenceinthecityofCambaluc，acitynolessmagnificentthangreat，foritissaiditisincompasstwenty—eightmiles，besidesthesuburbs，andthatitisofsuchtrafficandcommerceasbesidesothersortsofmerchandisethereareeveryyearbroughtintoitverynearathousandcarts，allloadenwithsilkthatcomefromChina。Whereuponamanmayguessboththegreatnessofthetrades，thewealthofthemerchandise，thevarietyoftheartificersandarts，themultitudeofpeople，thepomp，themagnificence，thepleasureandthebraveryoftheinhabitantsthereof。
ButletusnowcometoChina。Thereisnotinalltheworldakingdom（Ispeakofunitedandentirekingdoms）thatiseithergreater，ormorepopulous，ormorerich，ormoreaboundinginallgoodthings，orthathathmoreageslastedandenduredthanthatfamousandrenownedkingdomofChina。Hereofitgrowsthatthecitieswhereintheirkingshavemadetheirresidencehaveeverbeenthegreatestthathavebeenintheworld。AndthoseareSuntien，AnchinandPanchin。Suntien（bysomuchasIcanlearnoutoftheundoubtedtestimoniesofothermen）isthemostancientandthechiefestandtheprincipallestofacertainprovincewhichiscalledKinsay，bywhichnametheycommonlycallthesamecity。*Itisseatedasitwereintheextremestpartsalmostoftheeast，inamightygreatlakethatisdrawnoutofthefourprincelyriversthatfallthereintoit，whereofthegreatestiscalledPulisanghin。Thelakeisfulloflittleislandswhich，forthegallantnessofthesite，thefreshnessoftheairandsweetnessofthegardensareverydelightfulwithoutmeasure。Hisbanksaretapestriedwithverdure，mantledwithtrees，wateredwithclearrunningbrooksandmanysprings，andadornedwithmagnificentandstatelypalaces。Thislakeinhisgreatestbreadthisfourleagueswideatthemouthoftherivertwenty—eightmiles，orthereabout。Incircuititisanhundredmilesabout，withlargepassagesbothbywaterandbyland。Thestreetsthereofareallofthempavedgallantlywithstone，andbeautifiedwithveryfairbenchesorseatstositupon。Thechattelsofmostaccountarehaplyfifteen，withbridgesoverthemsostatelytobeholdthatshipsunderalltheirsailspassunderthem。Thegreatestofthesechannelscutteththroughthemidst，asitwere，ofthecityandisamilewide，alittlemoreorless，withfourscorebridgesuponit；asight，noquestion，thatdothexceedallother。
IshouldbetoolongifIshouldheredeclareallthatmightbesaidofthegreatnessofthewalksandgalleries，ofthemagnificentandstatelybuildings，ofthebeautyofthestreets，oftheinnumerablemultitudeofinhabitants，oftheinfiniteconcourseofmerchandise，oftheinestimablenumberofshipsandvessels，someinlaidwithebonyandsomewithivory，andchequeredsomewithgoldandsomewithsilver，oftheincomparablerichesthatcomeinthitherandarecarriedoutcontinually；tobeshort，ofthedelightsandpleasureswhereofthiscitydothsoexceedinglyaboundasitdeservestobecalledproudSuntien。AndyettheothertwocitesPanchinandAnchinareneverawhitlessthanthisis。
ButforasmuchaswehavemadementionofChina，Ithinkitnotamissinthisplacetorememberthegreatnessofsomeotherofhercities，accordingtotherelationswereceiveinthesedays。Canton，then（whichisthemostknown，thoughnotthegreatest）thePortuguesethathavehadmuchcommercethitherthesemanyyearsconfessitisgreaterthanLisbon，whichyetisthegreatestcitythatisinEuropeexceptConstantinopleandParis。SanchieoissaidtobethreetimesgreaterthanSeville，sothatsinceSevilleissixmilesincompassSanchieomustneedsbeeighteenmilesabout。TheyalsosayHuchouexceedsthembothingreatness。Chinchew，althoughitbeofthemeanersort，theFathersoftheOrderofSt。Augustinewhosawitdojudgethatcitytocontainthreescoreandtenthousandhouses。