HEPORTS OF CHINA a.d. 



c.1565. 



a yeere of the reigne of such a king. And their ancient 

 writings beare date of the yeeres of this or that king. 



Now will I speake of the maner which the Chineans 

 doe observe in doing of justice, that it may be knowen 

 how farre these Gentiles do herein exceed many Christians, 

 that be more bounden then they to deale justly and in 

 trueth. Because the Chinish king maketh his abode 

 continually in the City Pachin, his kingdome so great, 

 & the shires so many, as tofore it hath bene said : in 

 it therefore the governours and rulers, much like unto 

 our Shiriffes, be appointed so suddenly and speedily dis- 

 charged againe, that they have no time to grow naught. 

 Furthermore to keepe the state in more securitie, the 

 Louteas that governe one shire are chosen out of some 

 other shire distant farre off, where they must leave their 

 wives, children and goods, carying nothing with them 

 but themselves. True it is, that at their comming thither 

 they doe finde in a readinesse all things necessary, their 

 house, furniture, servants, and all other things in such 

 perfection and plentie, that they want nothing. Thus 

 the king is well served without all feare of treason. 



In the principall Cities of the shires be foure chiefe 

 Louteas, before whom are brought all matters of the 

 inferiour Townes, throughout the whole Realme. Divers 

 other Louteas have the managing of justice, and receiving 

 of rents, bound to yeelde an accompt thereof unto the 

 greater officers. Other do see that there be no evil rule 

 kept in the Citie : ech one as it behoveth him. Generally [II. ii. 73.] 

 all these doe imprison malefactours, cause them to be 

 whipped and racked, hoysing them up and downe by 

 the armes with a cord, a thing very usuall there, and The Italians 

 accompted no shame. These Louteas do use great ™ff e 

 diligence in the apprehending or theeves, so that it is 

 a wonder to see a theefe escape away in any City, towne 

 or village. Upon the sea neere unto the shoare many 

 are taken, and looke even as they are taken, so be they 

 first whipped, and afterward layde in prison, where shortly 

 after they all die for hunger and cold. At that time 



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