‘The perillous and most unhappy voyages of John Struys, through Italy, Greece, Lifeland, Moscovia, Tartary, Media, Persia, East-India, Japan, and other places in Europe, Africa and Asia. Containing, I. Most accurate remarks and observations of the distinct qualities, religion, politie, customs, laws and properties of the inhabitants: II. A due description of the several cities, towns, forts and places of trust, as to their site and strength, fortifications by nature, or art, &c. with other things worthy of note: and III. An exact memorial of the most disastrous calamities which befell the author in those parts (viz) by ship-wrack, robberies, slavery, hunger, tortures, with other incommodities and hardships’ [‎205] (262/470)

C hap . XVI. The Voyages of lohn Struys. 105
they wear Furs, but in Summer are fo impatient of heat, that they jvxe ,
only wear a loofe Shirt of red , green or blue , and that open from
the Collar to the Navel. Thofe of better fafhion do ufually wear two
Coats and a pair of Drawers coming down to the Calf of the Legg,
and fometimes to the ancles. They areas curious in letting of their
Brefts as the English or French Ladies , altho they never accuftome
themfelves to painting. They are very familiar and free in converfa-
tionand willnotrefufetoletaftranger kifs them : altho in prefence
of their H usban ds who are never jealous without reafon. t o confefs
the Truth I was very much.careffed by them, being often beckned at
under colour of viewing my Habit 3 which to them feemed very
ftrange. To be brief their V/omen are as curious in their Accoutre
ments and adorning of the Body , as they are complete perfons by
nature. They are very ambitious and emulating in ornaments , and
are well trick'd up with Chains , Bracelets , Rings and other fine
things, and thofe both of Gold, Silver, Pearl, Coral , &c. which
they become exceeding well. As I have already faid, they are very
friendly and familiar with ftrangers, as appeared by their community
with us. when as fomeofour men began to tickle and play with them,
which they took all in good part , but H E that offered to be bolder
paid leverely for it. The Men, altho the do difpence with
Polygamy, yetthey reft contented with one wife , whether becaufe
they think it too chargeable,or otherwife unreafonable I cannot affirm.
They are Mahometans by profeffion , but in reality meer Hea
thens j for although they fpeak much of one only eternal God the
Authoroftheirbeingi, and Adminiftrator of the World , yet they
deny him in their Idolatry and Devil-worlhip. They have neither
Priefts, Churches, nor Writ, but at certain times and places prefent
themfelves with their Offerings. Thegreateft day wherein they pay
thefe Religious duties is on the Feftival of St. which happened
on that very time when we were there,which we effayed to fee folemni-
zed, but were not permitted. All I could obferve was only the Sa
crificing of a Hee-goat , which after they had cut off his Genitals,
offered the fore and boyled the hinder-part, which themfelves always
eat , hanging the Hide upon a Stake , which is done with a few
Ceremonies and Singing. Thefe Solemnities are alfo done as often
as any of their Friends are deceafed , whofe corps they commit