Of the Emperour.
THE Emperours name in their tongue is Ivan Vasilivich,
that is as much to say, as John the sonne of Vasilie and
by his princely state hee is called Otesara, as his predecessors have bene before, which to interprete, is a king,
that giveth not tribute to any man. And this word
Otesara his majesties interpreters have of late dayes interpreted to be Emperour, so that now hee is called Emperour
and great Duke of all Russia
, &c. Before his father they
were neither called Emperours nor kings but only Ruese
Velike, that is to say, great Duke. And as this Emperor
which now is Ivan Vasilivich, doeth exceede his predecessors in name, that is, from a Duke to an Emperour,
even so much by report he doeth exceede them in stoutnesse of courage and valiantnesse, and a great deale
more: for he is no more afraid of his enemies which are
not few, then the Hobbie of the larks.
His enemies with whom he hath warres for the most
part are these: Litto, Poland
, Sweden
, Denmarke, Lifland, the Crimmes, Nagaians, and the whole nation of the
Tartarians, which are a stoute and a hardie people as any
under the Sunne.
This Emperour useth great familiaritie, as wel unto all
his nobles and subjects, as also unto strangers which serve
him either in his warres, or in occupations: for his
pleasure is that they shall dine oftentimes in the yeere in
his presence, and besides that he is oftentimes abroad,
either at one Church or another, and walking with his
noble men abroad. And by this meanes he is not onely
beloved of his nobles and commons, but also had in great
dread and feare through all his dominions, 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 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 displeasure: 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
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.