JUSTICE BY LOTS IN RUSSIA ad. 



1560. 



The maner of Justice by lots in Russia, written 

 by Master Henrie Lane, and executed in a 

 controversie betweene him and one Sheray 

 Costromitskey in Mosco. 1560. 



AFter the comming home into Russia of Joseph Napea 

 the first ambassadour to Queene Marie, I remaining 

 the Agent there, sundrie Russian marchants by Josephs 

 procurement obtained letters from the Emperour to 

 freight goods and passe in our ships for England : which 

 thing upon good consideration I answered and refused. 

 They were then driven to credite us and compound in 

 value untill the next returne. At which time, notwith- 

 standing good accompt in the value of 600 robles, there 

 grewe question by their double demand. So in April Triallbycom- 

 Anno 1560. before my comming from Moscovia, they bat or lot. 

 obtained trial by combat or letter to have their summe 

 double, or as I proffered 600 robles. For combatte I 

 was provided of a strong willing Englishman, Robert 

 Best, one of the companies servants : whome the Russes 

 with their Champion refused. So that we had the words 

 of our priviledge put in effect, which were to draw lots. 

 The day and maner of triall appointed by the Emperour 

 at his castle in his palace and high Court of Moscovia 

 was thus. The Emperours two Treasurers, being also 

 Chancelours and chiefe Judges, sate in court. They 

 appointed officers to bring me, mine interpreter, & the 

 other, through the great presse within the rayle or barre, 

 and permitted me to sit downe some distance from them: 

 the adverse parties being without at the barre. Both 

 parties were first perswaded with great curtesie, to wit, 

 I to enlarge mine offer, and the Russes to mitigate their 

 challenge. Notwithstanding that I protested my con- 

 science to be cleere, and their gaine by accompt to bee 

 sufficient, yet of gentlenes at the magistrates request I 

 made proffer of 100 robles more: which was openly 

 commended, but of the plaintifes not accepted. Then 



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