ad. THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



1590. 



take the water ; being in breadth and length not much 

 unlike to the galleys of Europe, but for swiftnesse 

 and multitude of oares, farre inferiour unto them. The 

 rowers, sitting upon galleries without the hatches or 

 compasse of the barge, doe moove it on forward with 

 their oares : whereupon it commeth to passe, that the 

 middle part of the barge affoordeth sufficient roome for 

 the Magistrates themselves to abide in, containing 

 chambers therein almost as convenient and handsome, 

 as in any of their foresayd publique houses, together with 

 butteries and kitchins, and such other places necessary 

 for the provision and stowage of victuals. 



Leo. All these things agree right well with the reports, 

 which we have heard of the stately and renowmed king- 

 dome of China: I would now right gladly know some- 

 what concerning the order which is observed in the 

 obtaining of magistracies. 



Michael. You have enquired of a matter most 

 woorthy to be knowen, which I had almost omitted to 

 The manei- entreat of. The Chinians therefore doe use a kinde of 

 of electing gradation in advancing men unto sundry places of 

 Chfna™ £S m autn °rity) which for the most part is performed by the 

 Senatours of Paquin. For first they are made Judges 

 of Townes : then of Cities : afterward they are elected 

 to be of that order, which decreeth punishments in 

 cases criminall without further appeale, or of their 

 order, that are the kings fosterers. And in both of 

 Degrees unto these Orders, which are very honourable, there are many 

 honour. places and degrees, so that from the inferiour place 



they must ascend unto the superiour, untill they have 

 attained unto the highest dignity of all : and immediatly 

 [II. ii. 95.] after that they come to be Vice-royes. Howbeit this 

 gradation is not alwayes accomplished in one and the 

 same province, but in changing their offices they change 

 places and provinces also. Moreover, next after the 

 office of Vice-roy they are capable to be chosen Sena- 

 tours of Nanquin, and last of all to be elected into the 

 Senate of Paquin. Now, there is such an order and 



366 



