ABSTRACT

The King in his marriages doth not mix with any person outside of his kingdom. The custom of old time which is now no longer kept among them, was that when the King would give in marriage his sons and daughters, who brought with them the men their sons and the women their daughters. The King for to preserve the greatness and authority of his estate, never goes out. Within his gates he hath very great enclosures with very great lodgings, great kitchen and pleasure-gardens, orchards, and many fish-ponds in which are great store of fish. All the ambassadors that come to China with embassages from Kings or Princes, receive of the King great rewards and favours; and they give the envoy the cap and insignia of a Louthia, whereby he hath great privileges in the country.