A LARGE DESCRIPTION OF RUSSIA a.d. 



1558. 

 so that I thinke no prince in Christendome is more 

 feared of his owne then he is, nor yet better beloved. 

 For if he bid any of his Dukes goe, they will runne, 

 if he give any evil or angrie worde to any of them, the 

 partie will not come into his majesties presence againe 

 of a long time if he be not sent for, but will faine him [I. 3 2 °-] 

 to be very sicke, and will let the haire of his head 

 grow very long, without either cutting or shaving, which 

 is an evident token that hee is in the Emperors dis- 

 pleasure : for when they be in their prosperity, they 

 account it a shame to weare long haire, in consideration 

 whereof, they use to have their heads shaven. 



His majesty heareth all complaints himselfe, and with Note. 

 his owne mouth giveth sentence, and judgement of all 

 matters, and that with expedition : but religious matters 

 he medleth not withall, but referreth them wholly unto 

 the Metropolitane. 



His majestie retaineth and well rewardeth all strangers 

 that come to serve him, and especially men of warre. 



Hee delighteth not greatly in hawking, hunting, or 

 any other pastime, nor in hearing instruments or musicke, 

 but setteth all his whole delight upon two things : First, 

 to serve God, as undoubtedly he is very devoute in his 

 religion, and the second, howe to subdue and conquere 

 his enemies. 



He hath abundance of gold and silver in his owne 

 handes or treasurie : but the most part of his know not 

 a crowne from a counter, nor gold from copper, they 

 are so much cumbred therewithall, and he that is worth 

 2. 3. or 4. grotes, is a rich man. 



Of their Religious men. 



THe Metropolitane is next unto God, our Lady and 

 S. Nicholas excepted : for the Emperors majesty 

 judgeth & affirmeth him to be of higher dignitie then 

 himselfe ; for that, saith he, he is Gods spiritual officer, 

 and I the Emperour am his temporall officer, and there- 

 fore his majestie submitteth himselfe unto him in many 



439 



