are punished, in their hands:  and two there are that carry, inclosed in a case, the Kings seale peculiar for ech office:  and many others also, that shew sundry spectacles vnto the people:  whereunto may be added the horrible out-cries and showtes, which betweene whiles they vtter, to strike a terrour into the hearts of all men:  and at length come the Magistrates themselues, being carried in a throne vpon the backs of foure men, sixe men, or eight men, according to the dignity of their office. [Sidenote:  The houses of the Chinian magistrates.] Now, as concerning their houses, they are very large and stately, being built and furnished with all necessary stuffe, at the Kings owne cost, in the which, so long as their magistracy lasteth, they leade a braue and an honourable life.  The sayd houses are without variety of stories one aboue another, which in the kingdome of China and in our Iles of Iapon also are not ordinarily vsed for habitation, but either to keepe watch and ward, or els for solace and recreations sake (for the which purposes, eight most lofty turrets of nine stories high are built) or els for the defence of Cities.  Howbeit in other regardes these buildings doe shew foorth no small magnificence:  for they haue their cisternes for the receit of raine-water, which are adorned with beautifull trees, set in order, round about them:  and they haue also their places designed for the administration of iustice, and diuers other conuenient roomes to bestow their wiues and families in.  Within the doores of the foresayd habitations a certain number of Sergeants and officers, hauing cabbins or little houses allotted them on both sides, doe alwayes giue their attendance; and so long as matters of iudgement are in deciding, they be alwayes ready at hand, that, at the direction of the Magistrates they may either beat malefactours, or by torments constraine them to tell the trueth. [Sidenote:  The magistrates barges.] The sayd Magistrates also haue their peculiar barges wherein to take the water; being in breadth and length not much vnlike to galleys of Europe, but for swiftnesse and multitude of orres, farre inferiour vnto them.  The rowers, sitting vpon galleries without the hatches or compasse of the barge, doe mooue it on forward with their oares:  whereupon it commeth to passe, that the middle part of the barge affordeth sufficient roome for the Magistrates themselues to abide in, containing chambers therein almost as conuenient and handsome, as in any of their foresayd publique houses, together with butteries and kitchins, and such other places necessary for the prouision and stowage of victuals.  Leo.  All these things agree right well with the reports, which we haue heard of the stately and renowmed kingdome of China:  I would now right gladly know somewhat concerning the order which is obserued in the obtaining of magistracies.